Titanium Dioxide And Artificial Flavor

Titanium dioxide is a mineral, a naturally occurring oxide of titanium, which is mined and processed to create a white powder. Artificial flavors are chemical mixtures created in a laboratory to mimic natural tastes and are not derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, or spices.

Titanium dioxide is primarily used as a white pigment and opacifier in various foods, including candies, baked goods, and chewing gum. Artificial flavors are added to a wide range of processed foods, such as beverages, snacks, and candies, to impart or enhance specific tastes.

Titanium dioxide is approved by the FDA as a color additive. JECFA has evaluated it. While the FDA maintains its safety for current uses, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2021 that it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, leading to a ban in the EU in 2022. Artificial flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or approved by the FDA as food additives. JECFA has evaluated many individual flavoring substances, often concluding that no acceptable daily intake (ADI) is specified. The specific health implications depend on the individual compounds used, and evidence on long-term effects of some artificial flavor compounds can be mixed or limited.