20 Apr 2023
According to the recent announcement by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), Titanium Dioxide, also known as E171, is no longer considered safe as a food additive. This means that food manufacturers have to find an alternative while mainlining the quality and consistency of their products.
At Puratos, we have been anticipating the ban of TiO2 and can offer a wide range of ingredients like cream fillings, custard creams, glazes, icings, chocolate coating, all with NO Titanium Dioxide.
Setting the scene, TiO2 conversation
In the last few years, there has been a lot of controversy about titanium dioxide (TiO2), a naturally occurring oxide of titanium, sourced from minerals. Because of its color and opacifying properties, titanium dioxide is widely used in the food industry as an additive. It confers a bright white shade to foods such as candy, frosting, baking and cake decorations, white sauces and more.
In recent years, discussions around the safety of this additive have taken place. The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) was already assessing titanium dioxide back in 2016. However, uncertainties and data gaps were identified and the result at that time highlighted the need for more evidence. Numerous scientific researches have been conducted to fill data gaps, creating an increased understanding of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and their interaction with living cells. This was the first time that EFSA guidelines on nanotechnology were applied to the safety assessment of food additives.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE NO LONGER ALLOWED AS A FOOD ADDITIVE
Following this new evidence, in May 2021 EFSA concluded that titanium Dioxide is no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. After oral ingestion, the absorption of TiO2 particles is low; however, they can accumulate in the body and may harm our health. Thus, EFSA cannot establish a safe level for daily intake of titanium dioxide as a food additive.
In January 2022, this resulted in a confirmed ban on the use of E171 for products to be commercialized in EU27 as of 2022, with a transition period until August 7th, 2022. Sales of earlier produced Finished Products can continue throughout their shelf-life, but stocks of B2B products containing TiO2 cannot be used anymore after August 7th, 2022 to produce new finished products.
This ban sets a range of challenges for food companies and manufacturers, both large and small. There is a need to remove ingredients that contain Titanium Dioxide without compromising the taste, texture and appearance of their products.
Puratos’s solutions with NO Titanium Dioxide: Great natural look, same performance
Consumer safety is of paramount importance to Puratos. Thus, we have been anticipating the ban of TiO2 and have been working on developing solutions without Titanium Dioxide and with no compromise on taste or texture.
TiO2 removal is rarely a straightforward process: when this additive is eliminated from the ingredient list, functionalities, costs and overall appearance may be compromised. Today, we offer a full range of solutions without Titanium Dioxide, with a natural visual appeal, ensuring no loss of functionalities: cream fillings, custard creams, as well as glazes, icings, and chocolate coatings for decorations.
