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Currently, titanium dioxide as a food additive is classified as GRAS, or “generally recognized as safe.” 

In the European domestic market, however, the cost support from increasing freight charges kept the valuation of imported volumes high, and the average CFR NWE discussions were assessed at USD 3800 per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The annual production capacity of high-grade rutile titanium dioxide has reached more than 400,000 tons. It is one of the largest TiO2 manufacturers in China at present. It has more than ten product brands of Taiohua, Jinxing and other brands, and its products are sold in more than 50 countries and regions around the world. It has long maintained the excellent performance of the second overall ranking in the domestic titanium dioxide industry.

We apply titanium dioxide to our skin through sunscreens, makeup, lip balms, nail polish, and other cosmetic products. 

There is some evidence that ingested titanium dioxide does not completely exit the body. A 2015 review of animal studies and a few human studies suggests titanium dioxide can get absorbed into the bloodstream and expose other organs to damage.

In short, no, research demonstrates that E171 is safe when consumed in normal situations.

Moreover, how we're exposed to an ingredient matters significantly in terms of our health and potential toxicity.   

Research shows that inhaling titanium dioxide particles in significant quantities over time can cause adverse health outcomes. Unless you work in an industrial setting, inhaling substantial amounts of titanium dioxide is highly unlikely. 

Research supports that applying titanium dioxide to the skin in the form of sunscreens, makeup, and other topical products does not pose a health risk. 

Overwhelmingly, research that's relevant to human exposure shows us that E171 is safe when ingested normally through foods and drugs (1,2).

Again, other research suggests that E171 could cause harm; however, those research processes did not design their studies to model how people are exposed to E171. Research that adds E171 to drinking water, utilizes direct injections, or gives research animals E171 through a feeding apparatus is not replicating typical human exposure, which occurs through food and medicine consumption.

Read more in-depth about the titanium dioxide risk at go.msu.edu/8Dp5.