France bans the whitener E171 in foods
Titanium dioxide - labeled E171 or TiO2 - will be banned in food in France from January 1, 2020. The nanoscale E171 is a food additive used as a coloring agent to give food a white color, for example to lighten confectionery, cheese or sauces. In addition to food, titanium dioxide is also used in medicines to give pills a white color. The dye is also frequently used in cosmetics, toothpaste and personal care products because of its high white opacity. Furthermore, sunscreen, facade paints or sports shirts contain nanoparticles of titanium dioxide.
Nanomaterials are used in Food additives under the E171 (titanium dioxide, TiO2) and number E551 (silicon dioxide (SiO2)) have already been used for many years. Until now, they have been classified as harmless. But today, scientists are arguing about how dangerous the nanoscale particles in these food additives actually are. The SAG had already pointed out the problem of the "old" nanomaterials in June 2015 in its commentary on the Synthetic Nanomaterials Action Plan.
Depending on assessments, E171 and E511 contain 10% to 40% nanoparticles. New research results show more and more clearly that such nanoscale existing substances have to be re-evaluated with today's knowledge in order to be able to assess a possible hazard. The French ministries for Environment, Health, Consumption and Agriculture emphasize in a statement that the data situation for the risk assessment of the use of the additive E171 (titanium dioxide) is still deficient. The safety of the use of this additive is therefore not guaranteed. In particular, no acceptable daily dose for this additive can be established due to a lack of data.
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