The EU removes the authorisation to use titanium dioxide (E 171) in foods

The Commission has published regulation (EU) 2022/63 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as regards the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171). In light of the conclusion of the 2021 the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) opinion about the safety of titanium dioxide (E 171) when used as a food additive, it is appropriate to remove the authorisation to use titanium dioxide (E 171) in foods. Accordingly, titanium dioxide (E 171) may no longer be used in foods. As titanium dioxide (E 171) would no longer be authorised for use in foods, it is also appropriate to remove the reference to it from the entry on the use of potassium aluminium silicate (E 555) as a carrier laid down in Part 1 of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.

However, given that EFSA did not identify an immediate health concern linked to titanium dioxide (E 171) used as a food additive and in order to allow for a smooth transition, it is appropriate that until 7 August 2022, foods produced in accordance with the rules applicable before 7 February 2022 may continue to be placed on the market. After that date, they may remain on the market until their date of minimum durability or ‘use by’ date.

Next the Commission will review the necessity to maintain titanium dioxide (E 171) in medicinal products based on the European Medicines Agency assessment.

Annex II Part E to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 is amended as follows:

-In category 04.2.4.1 (Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote), the entry concerning the food additive E 171 (Titanium dioxide) is deleted;

-In category 09.2 (Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans), the three entries concerning the food additive E 171 (Titanium dioxide) are deleted;

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (published 18.01.2022).

More information: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2022.011.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2022%3A011%3ATOC

Contact: ksaari@frucom.eu