Ingredient Guide

🇪🇺 Titanium Dioxide on Food Labels in EU

Titanium Dioxide (E171) is BANNED — not permitted in food products for food use in European Union — products containing it cannot be sold in this market.

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What the Rule Is

White pigment used to whiten foods such as confectionery, sauces, and cake decorations. In European Union, Titanium Dioxide is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food coloring. BANNED in the EU since 7 August 2022 (Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63). EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive due to potential genotoxicity. Any product containing E171 cannot be sold in the EU. Reformulation required.

What You Must Include

Do NOT include Titanium Dioxide in any food product sold in EU
Review all formulations and reformulate to remove this ingredient
Check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for presence
Obtain documentary evidence from suppliers confirming absence
Update labels to remove the ingredient declaration if reformulated

Common Violations

Selling products containing Titanium Dioxide in EU — this is a regulatory violation
Not checking compound/sub-ingredients for banned ingredient presence
Not informing regulators when a banned ingredient is found post-launch
Using old pre-ban formulations or artwork on products still in distribution

Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

Product reformulated to remove Titanium Dioxide with updated artwork

Ingredient list with no reference to Titanium Dioxide or its synonyms

Certificate from supplier confirming absence of Titanium Dioxide

Non-Compliant Examples

Ingredient list containing "Titanium Dioxide" or any synonym

Products sold in EU that were formulated before the ban without reformulation

How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Titanium Dioxide and all its common names (TiO2, CI Pigment White 6, E171) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under EU rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Titanium Dioxide be declared on food labels in EU?

Titanium Dioxide is banned for food use in EU — it cannot be present in food products sold here. If found, the product must be withdrawn.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium Dioxide may appear under the following names: TiO2, CI Pigment White 6, E171. Common hidden sources include: White confectionery coatings, Chewing gum, Cake decorations, White sauces, Powdered sugar, Some cheeses.

Is Titanium Dioxide banned or restricted in any market?

Banned in: EU.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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