Latest European Food Safety Authority opinion on the food additive E171 (titanium dioxide)

31.5.2021

Question for written answer  E-002858/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Maria Arena (S&D), Martin Hojsík (Renew), Mick Wallace (The Left), Anja Hazekamp (The Left)

Following the publication of the European Food Safety Authority’s latest opinion on the food additive E171 (titanium dioxide), which concludes that the substance can no longer be considered safe for use in food, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety has announced that the Commission will propose an EU ban on the substance. Can the Commission answer the following questions:

• 1.When will it will publish its proposal and when will the discussion on this proposal start in the dedicated Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed?
• 2.What is the expected timeline for discussion and adoption, considering the importance of proceeding with the ban as soon as possible in order to prioritise the health and safety of people in the EU?
• 3.Does the Commission intend to consider restricting E171 to non‑food uses, including medicines and cosmetics?