The food additive titanium dioxide, known under the code E171, to whiten food products around the world today. is used. This additive, which boosts color and shine, is in many products we use every day, from toothpaste to baking soda.

Gradually people are beginning to understand how harmful E171 is in our table, in our personal care cabinet and especially in our body at the end of the day. Although no one has been silent about this food additive to this day, the European Union has banned the use of this substance, which was described as a “hidden danger” last year. they will ban had expressed. So what does this additive we all consume every day cause in the long run?

What does titanium dioxide do in food?

This compound, called E171, does not occur in pure form in nature. This additive, the oxidized form of titanium, by iron titanium dioxide ores is being produced.

The overall purpose of titanium dioxide is to whiten food products and increase gloss, but so is this additive It also has the ability to absorb moisture. It is used to extend the shelf life of products. At the same time, the color of this additive, regardless of how much UV light it is exposed to never fade.

Titanium dioxide is in many products that we use in our daily lives.

The terms titanium dioxide or E171 may sound far away to you, but this additive when you hear how often it is consumed in daily life We are sure that you will also be very surprised.

Toothpaste, chewing gum, white chocolate, white flour, candy, shaving cream, shampoo, sunscreen, chickpeas, paint, sauce and confectionery products It is included in dozens of products such as In other words, as you can see, E171 is a chemical that we carry with us at all times of the day, even if we are not aware of it.

What are the alarming claims about E171?

The biggest reason the scientific world is concerned about E171 is the animal testing. Until today research on mice This shows that E171 cannot be removed from the body and that this additive eventually disrupts the DNA structure. In addition, E171 is thanks to its moisture retention function. disrupting the body’s water balance Over time, it causes damage to the body.

So why is E171 so harmful?

Let’s get to the most important part of the event. Studies by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on E171 show that this additive does not pose any problems when used in the food industry. So, according to these studies, E171 does not cause harm to the human body by oral or skin contact. The real problem for people is inhalation of E171 used for industrial products starting.

As you can see, it doesn’t seem like much harm to consume E171 in foods like chewing gum, white flour, or candy. More precisely, until now Evidence that consuming E171 causes cancer There is no solid scientific evidence. Because all the research done so far has been limited to research done only on animals. In other words, to prove that E171 used in the food industry is harmful. more scientific research on humans needs.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer states that titanium dioxide is in 2B, ie May be carcinogenic to humans has evaluated. However, the reason why the E171 falls into this category is because of its industrial type.

One of the animal studies shows that E171 can reach the fetus in the womb.

Eric Houdeau, a scientist at the French Institute for Public Research (INRAE), in a study he has conducted on animals in recent years. E171 can reach the fetus from the mother’s womb. proven. This study on mice It showed that E171 negatively affected fetal development. however, the fact that the same test has not been performed on humans does not prove that E171 can also be harmful to humans.

Hodeau even talked about the negative impact of E171 on people on a radio show he participated in. Be careful when commenting He used the following expressions; “It is not possible to say that studies in animals will give the same results in humans.”

France becomes the first country to ban the use of E171

France, which does not want to keep quiet about the results of the investigations into E171, First country to ban the use of E171 by 2020 it happened. According to the new law, since 2020 it is completely forbidden to use the food with the code E171 in the food sector in France.

The European Union is also preparing to ban E171 in the food sector in the same way. Stella Kyriakides, responsible for health and food safety at the European Commission, Unless there is an objection from the European Parliament (EP) and the Council of the European Union. from 2022 The use of E171 in the food industry is banned. had pronounced.

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