Answer: Yes — Titanium dioxide (E171) is banned in 1 country/region including European Union. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: candy, chewing gum, frosting.
TL;DR: Titanium dioxide (E171) is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (processing aids).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
CAS 13463-67-7.
Other names: E171, TiO2, CI 77891
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | candy, chewing gum, frosting, coffee creamer |
| CAS number | 13463-67-7 |
Titanium dioxide (E171) is a white coloring and opacifier used in candy, gum and frosting.
It is used to bleach, preserve, color or process food more cheaply at industrial scale.
Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022 over genotoxicity concerns; still allowed in US food.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Titanium dioxide (E171)with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose minimally processed and EU-imported foods, read labels for these additives, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag them.
Yes — Titanium dioxide (E171) is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Titanium dioxide (E171) is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Independent reviews flag Titanium dioxide (E171) for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
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