On October 13, 2021, the EU issued Notification G/SPS/N/EU/512, amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171).

The text removes the authorisation to use titanium dioxide (E 171) in foods based on the recent scientific opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluding that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered as safe when used as a food additive. The text also includes a commitment to review the necessity to maintain titanium dioxide (E 171) or otherwise delete it from the Union list of food additives for exclusive use as a colour in medicinal products within three years after the date of entering into force of this Regulation.

In order to allow for a smooth transition, the text lays down that foods that contain titanium dioxide (E 171) used in accordance with the rules applicable before the date of entry into force of the Regulation may be placed on the market until six months after that date. Those foods may then continue to be marketed until their date of minimum durability or 'use by' date.

The deadline for feedback and comments is 12 December 2021.