Digestoa
Additive · Colour

Titanium dioxide (E171)

Titanium dioxide (E171) is a colour that Digestoa flags as severe risk. Common concerns include genotoxicity concerns.

Digestoa riskSevere risk
TypeColour
Found inChewing gum, sweets, white icing, coffee creamers, and some supplements and chewable tablets.
ConcernsGenotoxicity concerns · Banned as a food additive in the EU (2022)

What is Titanium dioxide?

Titanium dioxide is a brilliant-white colour and opacifier. The EU banned it as a food additive in 2022 after its safety panel could no longer rule out genotoxicity (DNA damage).

Is Titanium dioxide bad for you?

Digestoa flags Titanium dioxide as severe risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including genotoxicity concerns, banned as a food additive in the eu (2022). How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Titanium dioxide?

Chewing gum, sweets, white icing, coffee creamers, and some supplements and chewable tablets..

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Titanium dioxide. But it's a useful flag: when you see E171 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Pick products without added whitening colour — many brands have reformulated to remove E171.

Frequently asked questions

Is E171 the same as Titanium dioxide?
Yes — E171 is the international additive (E-number) code for Titanium dioxide.
Is Titanium dioxide bad for you?
Digestoa flags Titanium dioxide (E171) as severe risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as genotoxicity concerns.
What are the side effects of Titanium dioxide?
Reported concerns include: Genotoxicity concerns; Banned as a food additive in the EU (2022).
What foods contain Titanium dioxide?
Chewing gum, sweets, white icing, coffee creamers, and some supplements and chewable tablets..
How can I avoid Titanium dioxide?
Check the ingredients list for "Titanium dioxide" or "E171", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related colour additives

Tartrazine (E102)Quinoline Yellow (E104)Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)Azorubine / Carmoisine (E122)Ponceau 4R (E124)Allura Red AC (E129)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.