E 171 Titanium dioxide

Not authorised in food

What is E 171?

E 171 is the E number of Titanium dioxide. White pigment. Since 2022 it is no longer authorised as a food additive in the EU (Regulation (EU) 2022/63). It remains on the list only because it may be used in medicinal products.

What is E 171 used for?

E 171 belongs to the group "Colours" and is used as colour.

• Colour: Colours add or restore colour in a food.

Is E 171 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 171 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 171 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Colour: E 171" or "Colour: Titanium dioxide".