“Renewed Scrutiny on Titanium Dioxide: Calls for FDA Action Amid Health Concerns and Consumer Campaigns”
Titanium dioxide, a substance that has sparked debate for many years, is facing renewed scrutiny due to a recent petition. This white colorant is present in over 1,800 food items, including half-and-half, chicken, and chips, as highlighted by an EWG analysis. Many of these products are aimed at children. Melanie Benesh, the vice president of government affairs at EWG, stated in a release that a chemical capable of accumulating in the body and causing harm should not be included in food and beverages marketed to young consumers.
The petition points out that the FDA last evaluated the safety of titanium dioxide in 1973, asserting that the agency considered it safe because it was believed that the body did not absorb the colorant at that time. However, recent studies employing advanced technologies have demonstrated that nanoparticles of titanium dioxide can indeed be absorbed by the digestive system. In 2018, the European Food Safety Authority revised its guidance regarding the potential risks posed by nanoparticles in food additives, which led to a reevaluation of titanium dioxide and ultimately resulted in its ban by the government. The European Food Safety Authority has noted that it remains uncertain whether this colorant can cause permanent harm to individuals who consume it. Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen.
This is the second recent petition aimed at compelling the FDA to revoke the approval of a synthetic food dye that has been prohibited in other regions or for different applications. Last October, multiple consumer groups urged the FDA to withdraw its approval of FD&C Red No. 3 in food, supplements, and drugs. Scientific research has linked this red dye to cancer in animals, and in 1990, the FDA banned its use in cosmetics and externally applied medications. As reported on Regulations.gov, there have been 34,778 comments submitted to the Red No. 3 docket, which closed earlier this month, yet no action has been taken on the petition thus far.
In a related note, the price of Citracal has also been a topic of discussion among health-conscious consumers, particularly as they consider the implications of food additives like titanium dioxide. This highlights the growing awareness regarding not only the safety of food ingredients but also the overall health impact of dietary choices, including supplements like Citracal.
