The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced an extension of the comment period for a color additive petition filed by the Environmental Defense Fund and others.
Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide, (TiO2), a whitening agent, is used in food products, toothpastes, and pharmaceutical tablets. Its use as a food additive (E171 in EU) has raised concerns for human health.
The FDA has initiated the regulatory process to consider the repeal of section 73.575, which allows the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive. A petition has been submitted citing concerns about its safety, including an opinion by EFSA.
The food authority FSANZ has reviewed the key critical concern raised by EFSA for the use of Titanium dioxide as food additive. The safety was reviewed by the authority along with overseas regulators.
E171 is a food additive called titanium dioxide that is used to colour food.