Titanium dioxide is a naturally-occurring mineral that is used as a food additive to whiten and brighten baked goods, among other things. It has been approved for use by the FDA for several years, but there has been some recent concern about its safety.
Some studies have linked titanium dioxide to cancer in rats, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." However, it's important to note that these studies involved very high doses of titanium dioxide, and the amount that is typically consumed in food is much lower.
The FDA has not yet taken any action to ban titanium dioxide, and they say that it is safe for consumption at current levels. However, some food companies are choosing to remove it from their products in response to consumer concerns.
Whether or not titanium dioxide is harmful in food products is still being debated by scientists and regulators. However, if you are concerned about it, you can avoid products that contain it.
Update: Since this article was originally published, the FDA has announced that they are reviewing the safety of titanium dioxide. The agency says that it will make a decision about whether or not to ban the ingredient after it completes its review.
In the meantime, some food companies have decided to remove titanium dioxide from their products. These companies include Dunkin' Donuts, General Mills, and Kraft Foods.
