That came after a 2021 report from an expert panel at the European Food Safety Authority, which reviewed data on titanium dioxide safety. The panel said it couldn’t rule out concerns that the food additive might be able to damage DNA and possibly lead to cancer. They explained that after you eat something that has titanium dioxide in it, your body absorbs low levels of its particles – but the particles can build up as you eat more foods with this additive.
Tronox Limited is another major player in the rutile market, with operations in Australia, South Africa, and the United States. The company's rutile production is used for the manufacture of titanium metal, which is in high demand for its strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance. Tronox Limited is also a leading producer of titanium dioxide pigments, which are used in the production of paints, coatings, and plastics
Prof Matthew Wright, both a member of the FAF Panel and chair of EFSA’s working group on E 171, said: “Although the evidence for general toxic effects was not conclusive, on the basis of the new data and strengthened methods we could not rule out a concern for genotoxicity and consequently we could not establish a safe level for daily intake of the food additive.”
It's also worth noting that even prior to the EU decision, France had already outlawed titanium dioxide in food back in January 2020.
Another top titanium dioxide manufacturer has earned a reputation for its focus on sustainability and environmental responsibilityWegman’s puts titanium dioxide in its Original Macaroni and Cheese. Campbell’s Healthy Request Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder has it, as does Food Club’s Chunky New England Clam Chowder. Marzetti uses the color agent to brighten its Cream Cheese Fruit Dip. Dairy products usually don’t need titanium dioxide to look white, but Kroger has decided to add titanium dioxide to its Fat Free Half-and-Half. And titanium dioxide isn’t only in especially white or brightly colored foods: Little Debbie adds it to Fudge Rounds and many other products. According to the Food Scores database maintained by Environmental Working Group, more than 1,800 brand-name food products have titanium dioxide on their ingredients list. That said, it can still lurk as an unspecified “artificial color,” or labels might simply say “color added.”
In conclusion, suppliers of 30-50nm TiO2 powders play an instrumental part in advancing technological frontiers. Their ability to provide high-quality, consistent, and responsibly sourced materials is vital for driving innovation across multiple sectors. As research continues to unlock new potential uses for these remarkable nanoparticles, the partnership between industry and supplier will be essential for translating scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions that benefit society.Titanium dioxide as used in sunscreens is commonly modified with other ingredients to ensure efficacy and stability. Examples of what are known as surface modifier ingredients used for titanium dioxide include stearic acid, isostearic acid, polyhydroxystearic acid, and dimethicone/methicone copolymer.
When used in food specifically, titanium dioxide is known as an additive called E171 and can be found in products like candy, chocolate, coffee creamer, cake decorations, chewing gum and even vitamin supplements. E171 is often used as coloring additive in foods, to lend the processed item a natural whiteness and opacity — such as in Skittles candy, where it's used as a white base to help give the candies their signature bright, colorful hue.
Firstly, titanium dioxide is extensively used as a pigment in paints, plastics, paper, and other products. Its high refractive index and excellent light scattering ability make it an ideal choice for providing brightness and opacity to these materials. Moreover, titanium dioxide is non-toxic and chemically stable, making it safe for use in food and pharmaceutical products.TiO2 itself was officially first named and created in a laboratory in the late 1800s. It wasn’t mass manufactured until the early 20th century, when it started to take over as a safer alternative to other white pigments.
In the automotive industry, titanium dioxide coatings are applied to vehicle bodies to resist corrosion and to offer a lustrous finish that stands out on the roadTotal Zinc (as ZnS)
Moreover, Chinese manufacturers are acutely aware of the international demand for sustainable practicesTitanium Dioxide (TiO2), a naturally occurring oxide of titanium, exists in two primary crystalline forms - Anatase and Rutile. Among these, Rutile TiO2, with its superior whiteness and high refractive index, has garnered significant attention in the coating sector. Its exceptional good whiteness imparts a brilliant, clean appearance to coatings, making it an indispensable ingredient in various applications such as architectural coatings, plastics, paper, and even food.
With 30% of the world's lithopone factories located in China, the country has become a major player in the global lithopone market. Chinese manufacturers are able to produce lithopone at a competitive price, making it an attractive option for companies looking to reduce their production costs. In addition, China's large production capacity ensures a steady and reliable supply of lithopone to markets around the world.
Some people have concerns about the safety of titanium dioxide because of reports linking it to cancer.
Another top titanium dioxide manufacturer has earned a reputation for its focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility