Animal studies show exposure to titanium dioxide is linked to immunotoxicity, inflammation and neurotoxicity.
CSPI says it might reconsider its rating if specifications for food-grade titanium dioxide in the U.S. are updated to ensure nanoparticles are minimized, and new studies are conducted to assess its capacity to cause cancer or other health problems.
Some consumer advocacy groups and health agencies — particularly, those at the Environmental Working Group — have been pushing federal officers at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider their existing rules on the additive, which is commonly found in processed snacks and sweets.
Overall, the Food Directorate's comprehensive review of the available science of TiO2 as a food additive showed: