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In food, titanium dioxide has a few different uses. Most notably, its food-grade form is used as a colorant to enhance and brighten the color of white foods such as dairy products, candy, frosting, and the powder on donuts. For foods that are sensitive to UV light, titanium dioxide is used for food safety purposes to prevent spoilage and increase the shelf life of food.

Titanium is a common metal element frequently found throughout nature. In our environment, titanium is naturally exposed to oxygen, forming titanium oxides that we find in many minerals, dusts, sands, and soils.

According to data released by the China Coatings Industry Association, the total production of China's coatings industry has increased from 12.72 million tons in 2012 to 24.388 million tons in 2019, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%. Coatings, as an intermediate commodity, are closely related to downstream consumer markets such as the automotive industry, real estate, infrastructure, and home furnishings.

The assessment was conducted following a rigorous methodology and taking into consideration many thousands of studies that have become available since EFSA’s previous assessment in 2016, including new scientific evidence and data on nanoparticles. 

Specific gravity:

In a lawsuit filed last week, a consumer alleged that Skittles were unfit for human consumption because the rainbow candy contained a known toxin – an artificial color additive called titanium dioxide.

The Scientific Facts

Titanium dioxide is a versatile material with a wide range of applications. Some of its most common uses include:
1. Pigment and Food Coloring
Titanium dioxide is one of the most widely used white pigments, often used to add whiteness and brightness to products. It is used in the production of paints, coatings, plastics and other products to provide a white color or opacity.
It’s also used in food products to provide a white color. Candies, cakes and creamers are examples of foods that may contain titanium dioxide for its color enhancing and bleaching properties.
2. Cosmetics
Titanium dioxide is often used as a UV absorber and pigment in cosmetic products, such as foundations, lipsticks, creams, sunscreens and other skin care products. It helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays by blocking them, while providing a brightening effect.
However, it can cause photosensitivity, which

Lithopone

TiO₂ possesses different qualities depending on whether it is produced as a pigment or a nanomaterial. Both forms are tasteless, odourless and insoluble.

Three aspects determine the performance of titanium dioxide as pigment and UV absorber.

3. What is EFSA saying in its 2021 opinion on the safety of titanium dioxide as a food additive?

In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an opinion that stated that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe when used as a food additive.

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.