E171 - Titanium dioxide

Functions: Colour

Titanium dioxide, also known as titaniumIV oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO2. When used as a pigment, it is called titanium white, Pigment White 6 -PW6-, or CI 77891. Generally, it is sourced from ilmenite, rutile and anatase. It has a wide range of applications, including paint, sunscreen and food coloring. When used as a food coloring, it has E number E171. World production in 2014 exceeded 9 million metric tons. It has been estimated that titanium dioxide is used in two-thirds of all pigments, and the oxide has been valued at $13.2 billion. - Wikipedia

EFSA evaluation: Re-evaluation of titanium dioxide -E 171- as a food additive (2016-09-14)