E171 · Titanium dioxide
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Better avoided
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Better avoided
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E171?
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a white pigment used historically to brighten and whiten foods, coatings, plastics, and cosmetics, and as a physical UV filter in sunscreens. Following a 2021 safety reassessment, EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive due to concerns about genotoxicity (potential to damage DNA) that could not be ruled out, particularly regarding nanoparticle-sized fractions; as a result, the EU banned E171 as a food additive in 2022. The FDA in the United States has not banned it and continues to permit it in food, a position that has drawn criticism and legal challenges. It remains permitted for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in most jurisdictions.
Also appears on labels as: Titanium dioxide, TiO2, Food grade titanium dioxide, E171, E 171, E-171, INS 171, Titanium(IV) oxide, Titanium white, Titanium dioxide powder, Titanium dioxide solution, Additivo alimentare E171.
What the evidence says
- Banned as a food additive in the EU (since 2022) following an EFSA safety reassessment that could not rule out genotoxicity concerns.
- Still permitted in food in the United States, Canada, and some other countries, creating a real regulatory divergence — presence in a product may depend on where it was made or sold.
- Concerns are specifically associated with nanoparticle-sized fractions of the material; typical bulk pigment forms have a more established safety record in non-food (cosmetic) applications.
Research behind the verdict
- Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive — EFSA FAF Panel, EFSA Journal (2021). EFSA 2021: E171 can no longer be considered safe as a food additive due to genotoxicity concerns; no safe threshold established. EU banned E171 via Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 with a 6-month phase-out ending 2022-08-07.[dangerous]
Frequently asked questions
Is E171 safe?
Our overall verdict for E171 (Titanium dioxide) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: better avoided; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: better avoided; Health Canada: safe.
Is E171 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Titanium dioxide — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E171 and why is it used?
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a white pigment used historically to brighten and whiten foods, coatings, plastics, and cosmetics, and as a physical UV filter in sunscreens. Following a 2021 safety reassessment, EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive due to concerns about genotoxicity (potential to damage DNA) that could not be ruled out, particularly regarding nanoparticle-sized fractions; as a result, the EU banned E171 as a food additive in 2022. The FDA in the United States has not banned it and continues to permit it in food, a position that has drawn criticism and legal challenges. It remains permitted for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in most jurisdictions.
Does E171 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Titanium dioxide.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.