The Real Cost of Titanium Dioxide in Food

Abstract

Research has shown that the adverse effects of consuming TiO2 NP are concerning; these particles accumulate in the body over time, potentially 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 their dangers, there is a lack of federal regulation in the US on their use in food, and food labeling is typically unclear about the presence of TiO2 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.

To better understand how adolescents perceive TiO2 NPs before and after educating, 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 potential 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 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-blind 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. To optimize educating people, we created a website showing findings of 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 who contributed to the papers we analyzed. 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 the potential of implementing mandatory warning labels as initial steps before a federal ban could be considered in a follow-up interview with one expert.

This project is on-going with the goal of continuing raising awareness and advocating 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 based on sound scientific facts.