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E171 is a controversial additive used to whiten or enhance the shine of many foods. Getty Images

Candies, chewing gum, chocolates, Christmas logs or even ice cream will no longer be able to contain titanium dioxide from this Wednesday, January 1, 2020 in France. This dye should be banned from all food products.

E171: it is under this code that titanium dioxide appears or rather hides on the labels. It sometimes also appears there under its chemical symbol: TiO2. This additive is very popular with pastry chefs, confectioners, and by the food industry. They use it as a colorant to whiten or intensify the shine of their products: candies, cookies, cakes, yogurts, ready meals.

The problem is that this additive generally contains nanoparticles . These, due to their tiny size, are able to cross biological barriers like the intestine and part accumulates in organs such as the liver. A scientific study carried out in rats shows a deleterious impact on the immune system, and a carcinogenic effect in the colon .

For the time being, the effects on humans are not certain. But as a precaution, the Parliament voted in 2018 to suspend the use of titanium dioxide in food. After some reversals, the Ministry of Economy endorsed the decision , under pressure in particular from health defense associations. A regret, however, for these associations: toothpaste and drugs are not affected by the ban. These products often contain titanium dioxide when they can very well do without.

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