The EU expert panel did not identify an immediate health concern linked to TiO2 when used as a food additive. However, due mainly to uncertainties concerning the safety of TiO2 nanoparticles, the panel concluded that TiO2 as a food additive (E171) could no longer be considered safe.
3. What is EFSA saying in its 2021 opinion on the safety of titanium dioxide as a food additive?
Furthermore, this packaging has been shown to have both antibacterial and photocatalytic activity, the latter of which reduces ultraviolet (UV) exposure (5Trusted Source, 6).
Developing new Lithopone formulations, one that enhances the properties of the existing Lithopone is anticipated to boost the demand for Lithopone white pigment during the forecast period. Reinforced Lithopone is one such development, wherein a copolymer is added to the polymerization reaction to yield Lithopone with an increased weather resistance and an anti-ultraviolet property. Moreover, development of nano-scale Lithopone is also anticipated to attract market interest during the forecast period.
However, it’s also important to note that such adverse effects depend heavily on the form of the titanium dioxide. It can come down to characteristics like “particle shape, purity, surface charge, solubility, agglomeration rate, photo-activation, etc.”


For those wishing to limit or avoid exposure to titanium dioxide in foods, there are some steps you can take.



Lithopone is a white pigment (PW5) co-precipitated from solutions of zinc and barium salts according to the following reaction:
Brilliance, colour strength, opacity and pearlescence unlike any other substance.
When asked about the recent Skittles lawsuit, the FDA said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.


In 2023, California and New York proposed banning several food additives that are banned in Europe but legal in the United States. Titanium dioxide was among the five proposed to be banned, but in September, the additive was removed from the list of additives from the California ban list.
Is titanium dioxide dangerous? Has it been linked to any health issues?
Scrap zinc or concentrated zinc ores are dissolved in sulfuric acid, the solution is purified and the two solutions are reacted. A heavy mixed precipitate results that is 28 to 30% zinc sulfide and 72 to 70% barium sulfate.