Disclaimer: This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and may change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
Titanium Dioxide
E171 | INS 171
Names & Identifiers
- E Number
- E171
- INS Number
- 171
- CAS Number
- 13463-67-7
- Scientific Name
- Titanium(IV) oxide
- Japanese Name
- 二酸化チタン
- Also Known As
- Titania, TiO2, CI 77891
Regulation Status by Country
United States
Status: approved | Exempt from certification
Not to exceed 1% by weight of the food
Japan
Status: approved | Category: 既存添加物
Australia / New Zealand
Status: approved | Code: 171
Canada
Status: approved
What is Titanium Dioxide?
Classification
Function: colour
Type: inorganic
Source: mineral
Natural Occurrence
A naturally occurring mineral, though the food-grade additive is produced industrially.
Found in: Rutile mineral, Anatase mineral, Brookite mineral
How It's Made
Method: industrial processing
Produced commercially by the sulfate process or chloride process from titanium-containing minerals like ilmenite or rutile.
Uses Beyond Food
- Cosmetics: Widely used in sunscreens, makeup, and toothpaste as a white pigment and UV filter.
- Pharmaceutical: Used as an opacifier and colorant in tablets and capsules.
- Industrial: Used in paints, plastics, paper, and as a photocatalyst.
Commonly Found In
Titanium Dioxide is typically used in:
Note: This list shows typical product categories and may vary by brand and region. Always check product labels for actual ingredients.
Safety Evaluations (Official)
ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake (mg per kg of body weight per day)
Research & Official Documents
Official evaluations and scientific research:
Search research databases:
Regulatory History
View Full Timeline →Key regulatory events and safety evaluations over time.
FDA approved titanium dioxide for use in food, not to exceed 1% of food weight.
Food-grade titanium dioxide authorized in the EU under E171 designation.
EFSA re-evaluated E171, identified data gaps on particle size distribution and possible effects on reproductive system. Recommended new studies.
France suspended use of E171 in food products, ahead of EU-wide action, citing precautionary principle.
EFSA concluded E171 can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. Genotoxicity concerns could not be ruled out after reviewing evidence on nanoparticles.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 published, removing E171 from permitted additives list (Annexes II and III). Six-month transition period announced.
Full ban on E171 as food additive in EU entered into force.
EU Court of Justice ruling confirmed that titanium dioxide powder forms are no longer classified as suspected carcinogen by inhalation, but food ban remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Titanium Dioxide (E171)?
Titanium Dioxide (E171) is a colour used in food products. It is inorganic and mineral. A naturally occurring mineral, though the food-grade additive is produced industrially.
Is Titanium Dioxide banned in any country?
Titanium Dioxide is banned in EU. Regulatory status varies by country. Always check with your local food regulatory authority for current information.
Where is Titanium Dioxide found naturally?
Titanium Dioxide is naturally found in Rutile mineral, Anatase mineral, Brookite mineral. A naturally occurring mineral, though the food-grade additive is produced industrially.
What is the ADI for Titanium Dioxide?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Titanium Dioxide is Not specified (under review) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
Is Titanium Dioxide the same as Titania?
Yes, Titanium Dioxide is also known as Titania, TiO2, CI 77891. These are different names for the same substance.
Related Additives
Other colours in our database: