White Lies: The Real Cost of Titanium Dioxide in Food

Abstract

The adverse effects of consuming Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are concerning, as research has shown that these particles accumulate in the body over time, leading to a variety of harmful outcomes including genotoxicity, neurological damage, and psychological impacts. Adolescents are particularly at risk, since they consume snacks, candies, and processed foods that contain TiO2 the most. The compound is used for its bright, white, and smoothening qualities, making products appear more visually appealing. However, these benefits can lead to long term health issues. Despite the significant quantity of evidence emphasizing its dangers, there is a lack of federal regulation in the United States, and food labeling often doesn’t include the transparency of TiO2‘s presence to consumers. In contrast, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognized these risks and banned the use of TiO2 in the European Union in August 2022, signifying an important example that questions why similar action has not been taken yet in the U.S.

To better understand how adolescents respond to information about TiO2, we conducted a survey with 409 responses from students in our school and neighborhood. Using statistical analysis, we found a significant association between the factors adolescents prioritize when buying snacks and their reactions after learning more about the health risks of TiO2. Furthermore, the adolescents who expressed greater concern about their consumption of TiO2 were also those who prioritized taste over appearance when purchasing snacks. This finding suggests that the visual appearance provided by TiO2 is not essential for customers’ consumptions since adolescents care more about how food tastes rather than how it looks. This information is important for public health advocacy, as it demonstrates that removing TiO2 from food products would not negatively impact the satisfaction of consumers.

Additionally, we designed and carried out a single-blinded experiment using pre and post-surveys about our educational presentation on TiO₂. The results showed that awareness plays a crucial role in shaping informed decision making. Many participants who had initially little knowledge of TiO₂ significantly shifted their attitudes after receiving clear and accessible information. This data supported the idea that public education can reduce consumption of harmful additives before formal policy changes are installed. To optimize the spread of this information, we created a website summarizing TiO₂’s health risks, scientific research findings, and current policy actions, making it more accessible to both adolescents and the general public.

Furthermore, we conducted interviews with three experts within public health and  regulatory policy.  We discussed EFSA’s decision-making process, the scientific reasoning behind the ban in Europe, and the political and economic barriers to similar actions in the United States, particularly in New York City.  Moreover, we explored implementing local bans or mandatory warning labels as initial steps before a federal ban could be considered in a follow-up interview with one expert.

Long term, our project aims not only to continue raising awareness but also to advocate for stronger policy changes on the federal level. The European Union’s actions show that regulating TiO₂ is both possible and practical. By combining our experimental results, we hope to contribute to prioritizing health over appearance in the food industry. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that adolescents and consumers can make informed choices free from the hidden dangers of Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles.