E171

Titanium Dioxide

Also known as TiO2

HIGH RISK

A whitening pigment used in sweets, gum and icing — now banned as a food additive in the EU.

What it is

A bright white mineral pigment added to make candy, chewing gum and coatings look whiter and glossier.

Health concern

In 2022 the EU banned it in food after EFSA could no longer rule out genotoxicity from nanoparticles. Still permitted in some other countries.

The verdict

A red flag — a purely cosmetic additive that the EU deemed no longer safe.

Found in

1 analyzed product

Skittles Original Fruit Candies

Skittles

In 2021 EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe because genotoxicity concerns could not be ruled out. It remains permitted in the US, and some recent Skittles formulations have removed it, so check your label.

22HIGH RISK