Titanium Dioxide And Citric Acid

Titanium dioxide is a white, powdery mineral used as a pigment. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. Both are manufactured for food use.

Titanium dioxide is used as a whitener and brightener in foods like candy and baked goods. Citric acid is used to add a sour taste, as a preservative, and to enhance flavors in beverages, candies, and jams. They are often used together in products like ice cream and canned fruit.

Titanium dioxide is permitted by the FDA as a food additive and colorant. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2021 that titanium dioxide could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, leading to an EU ban in 2022. The US National Academies have not set an upper intake level for titanium dioxide. Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated citric acid and established an acceptable daily intake.