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Ingredient Guide

🇬🇧 Titanium Dioxide on Food Labels in UK

Titanium Dioxide is permitted with proper declaration in United Kingdom: declare as "titanium dioxide (E171)" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Titanium dioxide (E171) is a white mineral pigment historically used to whiten and brighten sweets, chewing gum, sauces, and supplement coatings. In United Kingdom, Titanium Dioxide is regulated under Retained EU Law & UK FIC as a food coloring. The UK did NOT follow the EU ban. Post-Brexit, titanium dioxide remains authorized in the UK under retained EU law. UK FSA is conducting its own review. Declaration required by name and E-number.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "titanium dioxide (E171)" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "coloring" and E-number E171
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "titanium dioxide (E171)"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Titanium Dioxide
  • Omitting the E-number E171 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Titanium Dioxide content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"coloring: titanium dioxide (E171)"
"titanium dioxide (E171)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... titanium dioxide (E171) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (CI Pigment White 6, E171) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Titanium Dioxide" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
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 UK rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is titanium dioxide (E171)?

Titanium dioxide (E171) is a white mineral pigment historically used to whiten and brighten sweets, chewing gum, sauces, and supplement coatings. It commonly appears in: White confectionery coatings, Chewing gum, Cake decorations, White sauces, Powdered sugar.

Is titanium dioxide bad for you?

In 2021 EFSA concluded titanium dioxide could no longer be considered safe as a food additive because genotoxicity from accumulated nanoparticles could not be ruled out, and the EU banned it in food from August 2022. The US, UK, Canada, and Australia still permit it, with the FDA maintaining its approval — one of the sharpest regulatory splits between markets.

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

Declare as "titanium dioxide (E171)" in the ingredient list. The UK did NOT follow the EU ban. Post-Brexit, titanium dioxide remains authorized in the UK under retained EU law. UK FSA is conducting its own review. Declaration required by name and E-number.

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 in UK or other markets?

Banned in: EU.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

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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