Preserves Whiteness

Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is processed into a fine white powder. It is used as a pigment to make foods appear white or to brighten other colors. It is mined from the earth and then purified for use in food products.

Manufacturers add titanium dioxide primarily as a color additive to achieve a bright white appearance in various food products. It is often found in confectionery glazes, white icings, chewing gum, coffee creamers, and some dairy products. In products like chocolates, caramels, and cream fillings, it helps create or enhance their white color.

The FDA permits titanium dioxide as a color additive in food. JECFA has evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2021 that it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive due to concerns about genotoxicity, leading to its ban as a food additive in the EU in 2022. However, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide is safe for use in food, and it is not part of the FDA's announced plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes.