TiO2 has been well accepted in the food industry and can be found as the E171 additive in various food products, mainly for whitening and texture. It is present in some cottage and Mozzarella cheeses, horseradish cream and sauces, lemon curd, and in low-fat products such as skimmed milk and ice-cream. Even if the product is labelled as containing E171, no information is usually given about the quantity, particle size and particle structure. FDA claims that TiO2 may be safely used as a colour additive for colouring foods in quantities up to 1 % by weight of the food. Interestingly, TiO2 is frequently declared as a “natural colouring agent” and is therefore well accepted by consumers.
It is generally more expensive than lithopone and may not be as environmentally friendly It is generally more expensive than lithopone and may not be as environmentally friendlylithopone and titanium dioxide. The production process for TiO2 involves the use of hazardous chemicals, and its disposal can be problematic. Additionally, TiO2 has a tendency to agglomerate, which can affect its performance in certain applications.But in the U.S., titanium dioxide is found all over the grocery shelves. Candy like Skittles, Starbursts, and Jell-O, gum like Trident White peppermint gum and Mentos Freshmint Gum, cake products like Duncan Hines Creamy Vanilla Frosting, and Nabisco Chips Ahoy! cookies are just a few of the myriad food items that contain the additive.