France has asked food companies to remove titanium dioxide (TiO2) from their products by January 1, 2020, after a report by the Food Safety Agency recommended reducing exposure to the chemical.
The decision comes after France's National Agricultural Research Institute showed in a study on oral exposure to titanium dioxide that this additive, also known as E171, crosses the intestinal wall in animals and reaches other parts of the body. The study done in 2017 demonstrated that chronic exposure to E 171 favors the growth of precancerous lesions among mice. After a wider review of the risks posed by titanium dioxide, Food Safety Agency a found that there is not enough evidence to show that it is safe for humans.
This food additive, whose presence is indicated on the label by the name TiO2 or E 171, is used in the form of coloring in pastries, desserts and ice cream, but also in some cosmetic products or medicines.
Titanium dioxide (E171) is authorized at the level of the European Union, and France has informed the European Commission and the other member states about its decision. The measure could also affect American producers, who export more than 6 million dollars worth of sweets to France annually.
