Of the two methods of extraction, the sulphate process is currently the most popular method of producing TiO₂ in the European Union, accounting for 70 percent of European sources. The remaining 30 percent is the result of the chloride process. On a global level, it is estimated about 40-45 percent of the world’s production is based on the chloride process.

Titanium dioxide manufacturer: Lomon 

Overall, the Food Directorate's comprehensive review of the available science of TiO₂ as a food additive showed:

Basic Information

But in the U.S., titanium dioxide is found all over the grocery shelves. Candy like Skittles, Starbursts, and Jell-O, gum like Trident White peppermint gum and Mentos Freshmint Gum, cake products like Duncan Hines Creamy Vanilla Frosting, and Nabisco Chips Ahoy! cookies are just a few of the myriad food items that contain the additive.

On the other hand, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in their Final Administrative Order on Sunscreen Drug Products posted in September 2021 still accepts titanium dioxide up to 25% in the list of Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) in the main document, without further clarification on what kind or size of particles [9]. However, on page 24 (Sunscreen containing nanomaterials) FDA clearly “distinguish nanomaterials from other forms of these ingredients'' (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and ask for comments on “any particular nanomaterials that you believe should not be permitted for use in OTC sunscreen products”. To the best of our knowledge, this Agency did not ban the use of nanoparticulate titanium dioxide in any form, even though it is mentioned on page 34 that the anatase form is the more photoactive one, due to the lack of evidence with real sunscreens OTC (over the counter) in vivo. Moreover, other regulations in Latin America (MERCOSUR agreement, 2006) do not state clearly their position on the use of nanoparticulate TiO₂NPs [10].

The raw material used in this method is FeSO4. In order to maintain the Fe3 + concentration in the reaction medium in a specific range, reducing agent iron sheet is added in the reaction process. Iron yellow crystal seed was added and air was introduced to synthesize iron yellow under certain pH conditions. The method mainly includes two steps: (1) firstly, FeSO4 · 7H2O is used as raw material, NaOH or NH3 · H2O is used as precipitant or pH regulator, and air is used as oxidant to prepare crystal seed; (2) Iron yellow is produced by two-step oxidation with crystal seed, FeSO4, iron sheet and air.

Titanium is one of the most common metals on earth, but it does not occur naturally in this elemental form. TiO₂, also known as titanium (IV) oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring compound created when titanium reacts with the oxygen in the air. As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth’s crust. It is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron.

Top 10 Chinese TiO2 exporters in 2016

On the other hand, titanium dioxide is a synthetic mineral that is produced through a chemical reaction involving the mineral ilmenite or rutile. It is used in industries such as cosmetics, paint, and sunscreen as a whitening agent and pigment. The manufacturing process of titanium dioxide involves extracting the mineral from ores, purifying it through chemical processes, and then grinding it into a fine powder.

In 2022, a year after the EFSA recommended against the use of E171, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted its own reassessment of titanium dioxide as a food additive. The agency concluded that titanium dioxide was indeed safe to use as a food additive. The United Kingdom and Canada came to similar conclusions.

The evidence also suggests that the toxicity of TiO₂ particles may be reduced when eaten as part of the diet. This is because proteins and other molecules in a person's diet can bind to the TiO₂ particles. This binding alters the physical and chemical properties of the particles, which influences how they interact with cells, tissues and organs.