🚨 Safety Verdict: Avoid If Possible
E171 (Titanium Dioxide) was banned in the EU in August 2022 due to concerns about genotoxicity (potential DNA damage). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded they could not rule out safety concerns from nanoparticles. The UK has NOT banned E171 – it remains legal here, but many health-conscious consumers choose to avoid it.
⚠️ UK vs EU Status
EU: BANNED since August 2022
UK: STILL LEGAL – FSA reviewing evidence
This means products sold in the UK may still contain E171, while the same products in the EU have been reformulated.
What is E171 (Titanium Dioxide)?
E171 is Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂), a brilliant white pigment used to make foods appear whiter and brighter.
How it works:
- Reflects light to create an intense white colour
- Opaque pigment – covers other colours completely
- Doesn't dissolve – stays as particles in food
- Contains nanoparticles – tiny particles that can cross biological barriers
Why it's used:
- Whitening agent in sweets, icing, and sauces
- Brightens colours – makes colours appear more vivid
- Coating for pills and tablets
- Cheap and effective white pigment
Where is E171 Found?
Food Products:
- White-coated sweets – M&Ms, Skittles, Mentos
- Chewing gum – white coating
- Icing and frosting – for bright white appearance
- Marshmallows
- Processed cheese
- White sauces and dressings
- Coffee creamers
- Some bread and baked goods
Non-Food Products:
- Medicines – pill coatings, tablets
- Toothpaste – whitening effect
- Sunscreen – UV protection
- Cosmetics – foundations, creams
- Paint – white pigment
Why Was E171 Banned in the EU?
In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a major review concluding:
- "Genotoxicity concerns could not be ruled out"
- Titanium dioxide nanoparticles may damage DNA
- Particles can accumulate in the body over time
- Uncertainty about long-term effects
💡 What is Genotoxicity?
Genotoxicity means a substance can damage DNA (genetic material). DNA damage can lead to mutations, which may increase cancer risk over time. EFSA found they couldn't definitively say E171 was safe in this regard.
Key Concerns:
- Nanoparticle size: E171 contains particles small enough to cross biological barriers
- Accumulation: May build up in organs (liver, spleen, kidneys)
- Gut inflammation: Some studies suggest E171 may inflame the gut lining
- Immune effects: Potential impacts on immune system function
Why Hasn't the UK Banned E171?
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is conducting its own review but has not yet implemented a ban:
- Different interpretation: UK regulators may weigh evidence differently
- Industry pressure: Reformulation is costly for manufacturers
- Ongoing review: FSA says they're "keeping the situation under review"
- Brexit divergence: UK no longer automatically follows EU food rules
Regulatory Status by Country
| Region |
Status |
Notes |
| European Union |
BANNED |
Since August 2022 |
| United Kingdom |
ALLOWED |
Under review by FSA |
| United States |
ALLOWED |
FDA approved |
| Australia |
ALLOWED |
Under review |
| Canada |
ALLOWED |
Permitted |
Who Should Avoid E171?
🚫 Consider Avoiding:
- Children – potentially more vulnerable to accumulation
- Pregnant women – precautionary approach
- People with gut conditions – IBD, Crohn's, IBS
- Anyone following precautionary principle – if EU banned it, there's reason for concern
✅ Lower Risk:
- Occasional consumption in small amounts is unlikely to cause immediate harm
- Many products are being reformulated without E171
How to Avoid E171
- Check labels for "E171" or "Titanium Dioxide"
- Choose products labelled "No artificial colours"
- Buy EU-imported versions of products (will be E171-free)
- Use NutraSafe to scan barcodes and identify E171 instantly
The Bottom Line
- 🚫 Banned in EU since August 2022 due to DNA damage concerns
- ⚠️ Still legal in UK – FSA reviewing but no action yet
- ⚠️ Nanoparticle concerns – may accumulate in body
- ⚠️ Genotoxicity risk – potential DNA damage
- ✅ Alternatives exist – many brands reformulating without E171
- 💡 Precautionary approach – consider avoiding, especially for children
Our recommendation: Given the EU ban and EFSA's concerns about DNA damage, we recommend avoiding E171 where possible, especially for children. The fact that major regulatory bodies disagree suggests genuine uncertainty about safety. When in doubt, choose products without it.
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Last updated: February 2026