Pumpkin

Color

Titanium dioxide

White color additive used for brightness.

Moderate concern · Limited evidence

The EU stopped allowing it in food in 2022 because a DNA-damage concern couldn't be ruled out.

Consider limiting, or compare alternatives.

Reviewed Oct 2, 2026

Evidence and sources

In 2021 EFSA concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive, because concerns about damage to DNA couldn't be ruled out. The EU stopped allowing it in food in 2022. FDA still permits it in US foods at up to 1% by weight.

EFSA's conclusion reflects uncertainty rather than harm shown in people. The amount in this product isn't declared.

Limited evidence · Presence only; amount unknown · General population

  1. 21 CFR 73.575 — Titanium dioxide (color additive listing), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  2. Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive, European Food Safety Authority
  3. Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 on the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171), European Union