is titanium dioxide in food contact materials safe?

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is considered safe for use in food contact materials under relevant EU regulations. Its safety is assessed based on migration potential and exposure, and studies indicate that it remains bound within the material, limiting transfer to food.

Food contact is only regulated at EU level for plastic materials under Commission Regulation (EU) 2011-10 – Plastic materials with food contact. For other food contact materials, such as paper, there are national regulations in some member states of the EU. There is no link between EU regulations related to the use of TiO₂ as a food additive and the use in food contact as the food contact regulations are based on the potential release or migration of chemicals from the material, which has been shown not to occur in the case of TiO₂.

How is titanium dioxide used in food contact materials?

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a widely used in food contact materials, such as plastics, paper and ceramics. TiO₂ not only provides ultra-white colour, it can protect food from spoiling, particularly those foods susceptible to light. For example, the use of TiO₂ in packaging has been shown to effectively protect milk quality during an extended period of lighting exposure, such as on shop shelves.