Prof. Maged Younes, Chair of EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), wrote of the decision: “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.”

According to the EFSA's Expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavorings 2021 opinion regarding titanium dioxide, it could not rule out a concern for genotoxicity from ingestion of the material based on a perceived gap in data on this risk, which serves as the basis for current ban, said a March report on the decision.

The FDA categorized titanium dioxide as “Generally Recognized as Safe,” but there are warnings about its potential dangers from other organizations.

TiO2 powder is also widely used in the cosmetics industry, where it is used as a whitening agent in skincare products, sunscreen, and makeup. TiO2 powder suppliers work closely with cosmetic manufacturers to ensure that they have a reliable and high-quality supply of TiO2 powder to meet the demands of their consumers.

TiO₂ possesses different qualities depending on whether it is produced as a pigment or a nanomaterial. Both forms are tasteless, odourless and insoluble.