In a paper published in the journal Cardiovascular Toxicity by a team from Mexico, the potential impact of long-term exposure to the white colouring titanium dioxide (E171) in rats led to heart dysfunction and the authors suggest that prolonged exposure to E171 could be potentially toxic to humans and lead to the development of cardiac health problems. This was however an animal study and so caution is always needed when extrapolating animal study findings to humans. Titanium Dioxide is a white colouring that is used in a wide range of processed products like sweets, chewing gum, baked goods, cake icings and some dairy products in countries where it is permitted for use (it is permitted in the USA currently). It’s use in chewing gum might be a particular route for regular prolonged exposure if people are habitual chewing gum users.
Whilst the EU have banned the use of the additive titanium oxide (E171) as a white colouring in foods due to safety concerns raised by EFSA (The European Food Safety Authority), particularly regarding the potential genotoxicity of nanoparticles of the additive, the UK government has stated that its Committee on Toxicology has not identified the same safety concerns. Whilst it is therefore permitted in theory as an additive in the UK, manufacturers could not use it in foods to be sold in Northern Ireland (which must follow EU food standards) or the rest of the EU so it is unlikely to be in common use. We will however keep an eye open on food and drink product labels.
We will be summarising issues relating to titanium dioxide and the decision making in the UK which led to its approval in a short report in early 2026.
