It is impossible at this stage to "remove uncertainties on the safety" of titanium dioxide, said Monday the health agency ANSES in an opinion expected by Bercy to decide on the suspension in the diet of the controversial additive. Confectionery, cakes, ready meals ... Titanium dioxide, whose presence is indicated on the labels by TiO2 or E171, is a white powder mainly used as a colorant, to whiten or intensify the shine of food products.
The government will ban the additive E171, suspected of being carcinogenic:
It is especially the fact that this substance contains nanoparticles - of a size less than 100 nanometers facilitating their penetration in the organism - which raises for several years the anxiety of associations of defense of the consumers and the environment. Faced with these doubts, Secretary of State for the Green Transition Brune Poirson announced in May 2018 the suspension of its use in food products by the end of 2018 - suspension and not prohibition, which depends on the EU .
No suspension without agreement from Bercy. The provision had been included in the food law promulgated in November but it can not apply without a decree of the Ministry of Economy, arrested that Bruno Le Maire had refused to sign immediately. Faced with the anger of NGOs, the minister had finally assured his willingness to ban the dye, subject to a new opinion from the health agency Anses claimed for April 15.
The agency has analyzed 25 new studies on the toxicity of oral titanium dioxide, published since its last opinion in 2017. And stressing "the lack of scientific data", it concludes "that it does not have elements new ways to remove uncertainties about the safety of the E171 additive ". These studies do not allow in particular to "confirm or deny the potential" carcinogenic.
ANSES calls for promoting "safe and equivalent alternatives". "In anticipation of a better characterization of the hazard and risks of E171, it reiterates its general recommendations on nanomaterials aiming in particular to limit the exposure of workers, consumers and the environment, by promoting safe alternatives and equivalent in terms of efficiency, "adds the agency that is working on another expertise on nanomaterials in food. The ball is now at Bercy.