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So if you’re worried about titanium dioxide, don’t be! With current research and industry recommendations, titanium dioxide is a safe food additive. And if you want to avoid it, that’s ok too! Just don’t expect certain foods to be so white, smooth, and bright.

Prof. Maged Younes, Chair of EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), wrote of the decision: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. A critical element in reaching this conclusion is that we could not exclude genotoxicity concerns after consumption of titanium dioxide particles. After oral ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body.”

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

The updated evaluation revises the outcome of EFSA’s previous assessment published in 2016, which highlighted the need for more research to fill data gaps.  

Studies of titanium dioxide as a food additive suggest health dangers

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Dongfang Titanium Industry R-5568 titanium dioxide with zinc salt stabilizer, zirconium, aluminum, silicon coating. It has the characteristics of high blue phase, easy dispersion, high weather resistance, high hiding power, low oil absorption, good system compatibility, and excellent processing rheology. It is a high-quality titanium dioxide for plastics. Dongfang Titanium R-5568 titanium dioxide is recommended to be widely used in polyolefin, PVC, ABS, PS and other color masterbatches, profiles, plates and pipes, and can also be used in leather color paste, oily paint and other industries.

Barium sulphate is typically described as a white, odorless powder. This white coloration is due to its crystalline structure and the arrangement of Ba^2+ and SO₄^2− ions within the compound. The brightness and consistency of this white powder are crucial for its use in various applications. For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, barium sulphate is used as a radiopaque agent in X-ray imaging of the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, its purity and the absence of color impurities are vital for ensuring accurate imaging results.

Yet another study, this one published in 2006 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer said there was insufficient evidence to conclude that titanium dioxide causes cancer. However, the study also categorized the ingredient as a potential human carcinogen.

Neutral White, 26 per cent zinc sulphide, 66 per cent barium sulphate, 5 per cent infusorial earth, 3 per cent whiting.

Throughout the fourth quarter of 2021, the European market had consistent optimistic sentiment. Despite the overwhelming inventories at lower levels during the fourth quarter of 2021, the demand prognosis in the domestic market revealed varied opinions. Imports from the Asia Pacific region, on the other hand, remained disruptive due to limited accessibility of vessel freights and a decrease in the PMI index for titanium dioxide in China despite the application of severe environmental protection measures.

It turns into light gray after being exposed to ultraviolet rays in sunlight for 6 to 7 hours, but it will return to its original color when placed in a dark place. It is easy to oxidize in the air and then agglomerate and deteriorate when exposed to moisture.

Still many experts say the body of research does not support the current health concerns being expressed about titanium dioxide.

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A few non-dietary studies have reported adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract of laboratory animals given food-grade TiO₂. However, these same effects were not seen when the same or higher doses of food-grade TiO₂ were administered in the animals' diet. Dietary studies best reflect how humans are exposed to TiO₂ from food. Thus, the Food Directorate placed the most emphasis on the results of these studies in the state of the science report.

What are the forms of titanium dioxide?

Sulphate process. The ilmenite is reacted with sulphuric acid giving titanium sulphate and ferric oxide. After separation of ferric oxide, addition of alkali allows precipitation of hydrous titanium dioxide. The washed precipitate is calcined in a rotary kiln to render titanium dioxide. The nucleation and calcination conditions determine the crystalline structure of titanium dioxide (e.g. rutile or anatase).