Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, sometimes referred to as E171, is an inorganic, solid substance used in a wide range of consumer goods including cosmetics, paint, plastic and food, according to the American Chemistry Council.
Titanium dioxide has also been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which has caused concern about its use in food products. This classification, however, is currently based on limited evidence from animal studies that involved the inhalation of titanium dioxide particles that increased the risk of lung cancer.
Price increases of 139-174 USD /MT were seen in Q3 by western suppliers in a tight and buoyant market that faced multiple persistent pulls on supply, including an ongoing lack of Chinese export competitiveness. Furthermore, container constraints hampered its delivery to the rest of the world.
In terms of dietary exposure, titanium dioxide is often used in a variety of food categories, including bakery products, soups, broths, sauces, salads, savoury based sandwich spreads and processed nuts. It is also used in confectionary, chewing gum, food supplements and cake icing.