Titanium dioxide is used as a white colorant. It is present, at least partially, in nanometric form. A study by the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), known as NanoGut, published in January 2017, showed that chronic oral exposure of rats to partially nanometric titanium dioxide could lead to precancerous colorectal lesions. Other studies have suggested genotoxicity. On April 15, 2019, an ANSES opinion concluded that there was a “lack of scientific data” and specified that the agency “does not have any new information allowing the uncertainties on the safety of the additive E171 to be resolved” . The Ministries of Ecological Transition and of the Economy announced the ban on titanium dioxide in foodstuffs in France from January 1, 2020 pending a European position. The European Food Safety Authority (Efsa), finally published in May 2021. Efsa considers that E171 is no longer safe as a food additive, due in particular to the risk of genotoxicity which does not make it possible to define a safe level of daily intake of this additive. Risk managers from the European Commission and EU Member States have been briefed on the agency’s findings and must now define the measures to be taken to ensure consumer protection.
To know more, you can consult the report from the Efsa.
Orchidali can help you in the preparation and writing of regulatory files.
Français
Towards the prohibition of titanium dioxide (E171) in Europe in food
Titanium dioxide is used as a white colorant. It is present, at least partially, in nanometric form. A study by the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), known as NanoGut, published in January 2017, showed that chronic oral exposure of rats to partially nanometric titanium dioxide could lead to precancerous colorectal lesions. Other studies have suggested genotoxicity. On April 15, 2019, an ANSES opinion concluded that there was a “lack of scientific data” and specified that the agency “does not have any new information allowing the uncertainties on the safety of the additive E171 to be resolved” . The Ministries of Ecological Transition and of the Economy announced the ban on titanium dioxide in foodstuffs in France from January 1, 2020 pending a European position. The European Food Safety Authority (Efsa), finally published in May 2021. Efsa considers that E171 is no longer safe as a food additive, due in particular to the risk of genotoxicity which does not make it possible to define a safe level of daily intake of this additive. Risk managers from the European Commission and EU Member States have been briefed on the agency’s findings and must now define the measures to be taken to ensure consumer protection.
To know more, you can consult the report from the Efsa.
Orchidali can help you in the preparation and writing of regulatory files.
Tags: