A Potentially Toxic Chemical Is Added to Many Foods and Products

Written by George Citroner on May 9, 2023. Posted in Current News

In the summer of 2022, at least two consumer lawsuits were filed against the manufacturer of Skittles candy due to the presence of a known toxin in the product

The ingredient in question is titanium dioxide, also known as E171, which the manufacturer, Mars, Inc., had pledged to phase out six years prior.

Titanium dioxide has been banned as a food additive in the European Union since February 2022, nine months after the European Food Safety Authority published a report calling it unsafe as a food additive.

Titanium Dioxide Has Long Been Common in the US

Titanium dioxide has been approved as a food ingredient, with specific restrictions, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since the mid-1960s. This common food additive—a white, odorless, and tasteless powder—is used as a whitening agent, thickener, and texturizer.

Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that can also be found in some non-food products, such as sunscreen.

The range of edibles that contain titanium dioxide might be surprising to some.

Here are several examples of foods that may contain titanium dioxide:

Candy: Candy coatings are often made shiny and colorful by adding titanium dioxide.
Gum: Many types of chewing gum contain titanium dioxide.
Baked goods: Titanium dioxide is frequently added to baked goods like bread and pastries to enhance their texture and appearance.
Dairy products: Titanium dioxide is sometimes used as a whitening agent in some types of yogurt, cheese, and low-fat milk.
Condiments: Titanium dioxide is sometimes used to add creaminess to sauces, such as mayonnaise and salad dressing.

“The FDA continues to allow for the safe use of titanium dioxide as a color additive in foods generally according to the specifications and conditions, including that the quantity of titanium dioxide does not exceed 1 percent by weight of the food,” the federal agency told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement.

Health Risks Associated With Consuming Titanium Dioxide

While titanium dioxide, also referred to as TiO2, is generally considered safe in the United States, studies highlighting potential health risks associated with its consumption are being conducted.

One study from 2019 showed that mice given titanium dioxide in their water experienced changes in their gut microbiome and inflammation. Another 2009 study involving rats found that inhalation of the substance caused respiratory tract cancer.

“There have been studies to indicate that titanium dioxide may negatively impact gut health by increasing ‘bad’ bacteria, thus generating more inflammation in the body,” said Emily Feivor, a registered dietitian at Northwell Health. “Most research concludes that the amount consumed from food is so low that it poses no risk to human health,” she added.

Another variant of the additive, known as titanium dioxide nanoparticles—which are significantly smaller particles of titanium dioxide—have been shown to have harmful effects in some studies. According to a 2015 review of studies, when titanium dioxide nanoparticles were inhaled, they could travel to the brain and other organs, such as the kidney and liver.

“In most studies, TiO2 nanoparticles appeared to have caused oxidative stress, histopathological alterations, carcinogenesis, genotoxicity, and immune disruption,” the study authors wrote. Based on these findings, they concluded that using titanium dioxide nanoparticles and similar materials in humans must be “avoided or strictly managed” to minimize potential health risks.

Other Food Additives Banned in Europe but Allowed in the US

Titanium dioxide isn’t the only food additive banned overseas, but that is still allowed in U.S. products.

Potassium bromate, which is banned countries in Canada, the UK, and the EU, is used commonly used in the United States in retail bread, but it may irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, and cause shortness of breath and wheezing, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. In addition, some research has shown that the compound caused renal and thyroid tumors in rats.

Another food additive used in the United States but banned in Europe is propylparaben (E217), as long as it does not exceed 0.1 percent in food products. It is used in some processed foods, drugs, and cosmetics as an antimicrobial preservative.

However, a 2018 study review found that propylparaben is an endocrine disruptor, meaning that it can interfere with the hormones in the endocrine system, potentially leading to cancer and developmental disorders. Additionally, a study in mice found that propylparaben was associated with problems in embryo development.

Chlorine washing—the process of rinsing meat in chlorinated water—is a common practice in the U.S. poultry industry to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. While it is not considered a food additive, the process has been a topic of debate due to its potential health and environmental risks.

The EU banned chlorine washing in 1997 over food safety concerns, so U.S. producers cannot export chicken to the region.

Other Metals You Didn’t Know Were in Your Food

Besides titanium dioxide, food manufacturers can also add other metals, such as silver, zinc, and copper, in nanoparticle form to their products for various purposes.

Due to their antimicrobial properties, silver and copper nanoparticles are sometimes used as preservatives in food packaging materials and other food products. However, there are concerns that exposure to silver or copper nanoparticles may harm human health.

Research suggests silver nanoparticles can accumulate in various organs, including the liver, kidney, brain, and male sexual organs. Nanoparticles may also cause oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are sometimes added as an additive or nutrient supplement to food products. Zinc is an essential nutrient for human health, but exposure to high levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles may be toxic.

A marine life study has linked zinc oxide nanoparticles to inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to the liver and kidneys.

See more here theepochtimes

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