Action Requested: Ask FDA to Revoke Use of Nanoparticle Titanium Dioxide in Food

We have published numerous scientific studies linking the nanoparticle ‘titanium dioxide’ to a host of serious health outcomes*–including digestive problems like IBD, colitis and colon cancer. Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it has filed a color additive petition (CAP 3C0325) that asks the FDA to revoke the use of titanium dioxide in food (21 CFR 73.575).

The organizations that are petitioning the FDA to revoke the use of titanium dioxide in food assert that the intended use of this color additive no longer meets the safety standard under 21 CFR 70.3(i), and cite, as evidence, a safety opinion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). (See our article: Food Dye Titanium Dioxide Declared Unsafe by Europe).

ACTION NEEDED: The FDA is currently seeking comments, additional scientific data, and other information related to the safety of titanium dioxide in foods until July 3, 2023. Electronic comments can be submitted here.

*Titanium Dioxide

This nanoparticle white pigment (officially classified as a food additive as opposed to a food dye) is present in processed foods common on grocery shelves, as well as in fast food and conventional restaurant foods. Frequently unlabeled in U.S. foods (though nanoparticles are required to be labeled in EU countries) this additive is used as a white pigment food coloring for processed foods such as skim milk, white cheese, yogurt, frosting/frosted foods, icing, candies, snack foods, mayonnaise, salad dressings, powdered sugar, marshmallows, pudding, breakfast toaster pastries, and non-diary coffee creamer, among many others. It is also commonly used in medicines and toothpaste.

Scientists are still determining the health safety and potential health hazards of nanoparticles in food. According to the professional organization American Society of Safety Engineers (the guide has since been removed from their website) ingested nanoparticles can be absorbed through small nodules in intestinal tissue (Peyer’s Plaques) that are part of the immune defense system. If nanoparticles enter the digestive system and proceed into the bloodstream, they can potentially move throughout the body and cause damage. Additionally, the Society concludes that “Nanoparticles may also accumulate in certain organs, disrupt and impair biological, structural and metabolic processes and weaken the immune system.” Animals studies have demonstrated that nanoparticle ingestion changes the structure of the lining of the intestinal walls. Among other potential problems, such structural changes hold the potential for over-absorption of harmful compounds. Additionally, research has indicated there are potential adverse health effects of nanoparticles on respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and studies of manufactured nanoparticles have demonstrated toxic properties. Among other health-related issues researchers are studying the potential link between Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles in food and an increased risk for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and colitis. And finally, a recent study funded by the National Science Foundation and published by the American Chemical Society found that nanomaterials in food and drinks can interfere with digestive cells, changing the normal organization and decreasing the number of microvilli (finger-like projections on the cells that help us digest food). What this means essentially is that in humans, if such an effect occurs as food and drinks pass through the gastrointestinal tract, these nanomaterials could lead to poor digestion or diarrhea. Ⓒ

Source: The Food Hacker’s Handbook: A Guide to Breaking the Processed Foods and Additives Addiction