Known with the code E171, titanium dioxide is used in hundreds of products that we use in our daily life, from chewing gum to toothpaste, from foundation to shaving foam. The frightening thing is that this additive, which we are exposed to every day, has the possibility of disrupting our DNA structure.
The food additive titanium dioxide, known by the code E171, to whiten food products around the world today. is being used. This additive, which increases color and shine, is included in many products we use every day, from toothpaste to baking soda.
It has gradually started to be understood how harmful E171 is in our table, in our personal care cabinet and most importantly in our body at the end of the day. Although no one has been silent about this food additive until today, the European Union has not approved the use of this substance, which it has described as a “hidden danger” in recent months. they will be banned soon had expressed. So, is this additive that we all consume every day really harmful and what does it cause in the long run?
What does titanium dioxide do in food?
This compound, named E171, is not found in nature in a pure form. This additive, which is the oxidized form of titanium, through iron titanium dioxide ores being produced.
The general purpose of titanium dioxide is to whiten and increase the shine of food products, but this additive is also 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, no matter how much UV light it is exposed to never fade.
Titanium dioxide is included in many products that we use in our daily life.
The terms titanium dioxide or E171 may sound distant to you, but this additive when you hear how often it is consumed in daily life We are sure you will be very surprised too.
Toothpaste, chewing gum, white chocolate, white flour, candies, shaving cream, shampoo, sunscreen, chickpeas, paint, sauce and pastry products It is included in dozens of products such as So, as you can see, although we are not aware of it, E171 is a chemical that we take with us at every moment of the day and unintentionally.
What are the alarming claims about E171?
The biggest reason the scientific world is worried about E171 is the tests on animals. Until today research on mice This shows that E171 cannot be eliminated from the body and this additive disrupts the DNA structure in the long run. In addition, E171 thanks to its moisture retention feature. 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 of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on E171 show that this additive does not pose a problem if used in the food industry. So, according to these studies, E171 does not cause any harm to human body by oral or skin contact. The real problem for people is inhaling E171 used for industrial products starting.
As you can see, there does not seem to be much harm in consuming E171 in food products such as 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 researches done so far have been limited to those that have been 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, i.e. May be carcinogenic to humans has evaluated. However, the reason why the E171 is in this category is due to 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 research he conducted on animals in the past years. E171 can reach the fetus from the mother’s womb. proved it. This study on mice It showed that E171 negatively affected fetal development. however, the fact that the same test has not been done on humans is a little far from showing that E171 may be harmful to humans as well.
Hodeau even talked about the negative impact of E171 on people in a radio show he participated in. Be careful when commenting He used the following expressions; “It is not possible to say that studies on 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 remain silent any longer on the results of the research on E171, First country to ban the use of E171 by 2020 it happened. According to the new law, it has been completely forbidden to use the food with the code E171 in the food industry in France since 2020.
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 of the EU Commission, Unless there is an objection by the European Parliament (EP) and the European Council. from 2022 The use of E171 in the food industry will be prohibited. had expressed.
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