Beta Carotene And Titanium Dioxide

Beta-carotene is a pigment found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, like carrots and sweet potatoes, and can also be made synthetically. Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is processed into a fine white powder.

Beta-carotene is used to give foods a yellow to orange color and as a source of vitamin A. Titanium dioxide is used to make foods white and opaque, preventing other colors from showing through. They are often found together in products like soups, cakes, and powdered drinks to achieve specific color and opacity.

The FDA permits beta-carotene as a color additive and a nutrient. JECFA has evaluated beta-carotene but did not set a numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI not specified). High intakes can cause a harmless yellowing of the skin. The FDA permits titanium dioxide as a food additive. JECFA has evaluated it but did not set a numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI not specified). In 2021, EFSA concluded that titanium dioxide could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, leading to its ban in the EU in 2022. It remains permitted in the US and is not part of the FDA's announced plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes.