Titanium dioxide, a vital colour ingredient

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), is one of the most widely used pigments and colourants for optimizing whiteness. Applications include paints, coatings, plastics, paper, inks, food, cosmetics and tablet medicines. TiO₂ is also a key ingredient used in sunscreen for its UV absorption properties.

The European Food Safety Authority of the European Commission (EFSA) cites TiO₂‘s technological function as making food more visually appealing by giving colour to food that would otherwise be colourless or restoring the original appearance of food.

Bakery products featuring brilliant whiteness as an aesthetic (think white wedding cake) or food formulators using it to maintain consistency and texture in creamy cake fillings have come to rely on TiO₂ due to its stable nature.

European regulatory changes

EFSA recently concluded that TiO₂ is no longer considered safe to use as a food additive (Regulation 231/2012). This revised opinion follows a request made by the European Commission in March 2020 to re-evaluate its previous assessment from 2016, highlighting the need for more scientific data to fill in the gaps. 

Labelled as E171 when used as a food colourant, TiO₂ was reassessed for safe use in foods by EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings. The scrutiny surrounding the use of TiO₂ in food ingredients focuses on its potential genotoxicity (watch a video to learn more from EFSA) and whether it is harmful when ingested.

After evaluating more scientific evidence about TiO₂ nanoparticles, EFSA determined that although the absorption of these particles is low, they can accumulate in the body, posing a risk to consumers. The authority says it cannot establish an acceptable daily intake – or safe level – for E171. It is important to mention that EFSA’s opinion on the safety of titanium dioxide as a food additive has not yet been defined outside of food additive use in terms of other markets and applications. It is equally vital to note that EFSA has not banned TiO₂. The European Commission and Member States are responsible for any legislative or regulatory decisions based on EFSA’s opinion. In January 2020, France banned the sale of food products containing TiO₂ and has extended that ban through 2021.

To discuss your specific requirements with a member of the colour team, contact us today.

Colour is a key driver for consumer choice.

For body wash applications, customers are drawn to products that are strongly coloured and fragranced. Our colours can be used to strengthen fragrance notes and branding.

Consumers look for face masks that create a fresher, more radiant complexion and colours can be used to reflect fruity and floral scents.

With our bespoke colour matching services, the possibilities are limitless. Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request standard samples.

Also, discover how colours can be used in your body scrubs and moisturiser formulations.