You consume it in candy or pizza: A dangerous titanium dioxide in common foods

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is frequently found in food products such as candy and frozen pizza. This substance is also an ingredient in sunscreens, paints, and wallpapers. Scientists are sounding the alarm.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is synthetically produced in industrial and consumer goods. It has a very adverse effect on the body, but despite this, it has not been officially recognized worldwide as dangerous.

Due to its insoluble and non-flammable properties, it is added to sunscreens, paints, paper, and wallpapers.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows titanium dioxide as a food coloring. However, its amount cannot exceed 1 percent of the food.

In the USA, TiO2 is added to frozen foods, cottage cheese, salad dressings, and colorful candies. It's difficult to determine if a given product contains this substance because the American regulatory agency requires only that the packaging mention the use of an "artificial color."

Regular consumption of food with added titanium dioxide can lead to DNA changes. Scientists warn that TiO2 can also damage the liver and inhibit the spread of beneficial gut bacteria. This substance can also cause problems with the reproductive system.

In Europe, titanium dioxide cannot be used in food production - the decision to ban this substance was made in 2021 and was adopted by the European Commission. Despite this, it is crucial to be aware of the consequences that consuming products containing this substance can bring, especially in the context of traveling or shopping online.