As a food additive, titanium dioxide and its nanoparticles in particular have been associated with DNA damage and cell mutations, which in turn, have potential to cause cancer. When used as a food coloring, it is known as E171.

In conclusion, lithopone is an essential ingredient in the leather industry, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits for leather suppliers. Its ability to create vibrant colors, excellent covering power, cost-effectiveness, and versatility make it a valuable asset in the production of high-quality leather goods. By choosing the right lithopone suppliers and incorporating this pigment into their manufacturing process, leather suppliers can enhance the appeal and durability of their products to meet the demands of the market.

Prof Maged Younes, Chair of EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), said: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive . A critical element in reaching this conclusion is that we could not exclude genotoxicity concerns after consumption of titanium dioxide particles. After oral ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body”.