Did you know that the same snacks and candies you eat every day may contain a harmful additive linked to DNA damage, neurotoxicity, and inflammation?

Titanium Dioxide is a widely used food additive that enhances the white color and appearance of processed foods such as chewing gum, candies, frosted pastries, and dairy-based desserts. Despite its approval by the FDA, scientific research has raised serious concerns about its long-term health effects.

Why should TiO2 be banned?

Genotoxicity & Cancer Risks: Studies show that Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) can damage DNA, impair DNA repair mechanisms, and increase the risk of genetic mutations that may contribute to cancer development. (Bandyopadhyay et al., 2010)

Neurotoxicity & Brain Health Risks: TiO₂ can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing neuroinflammation and impairing memory and cognitive function. Research on mice has linked TiO₂ exposure to abnormal brain cell growth, cell shrinkage, and reduced activity levels—effects that could also threaten human neurological health. (Sun et al., 2023)

Psychological & Mental Health Effects: TiO₂ exposure can disrupt brain chemistry, increasing oxidative stress and inflammation, which may contribute to mental health disorders and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. (Zhang et al., 2023)

Hidden in Our Food Without Clear Labeling: In the U.S., food manufacturers are not required to list Titanium Dioxide on ingredient labels unless it makes up more than 25% of the final product. This means you could be consuming it regularly without even knowing! (Jovanović, 2015)

Europe Has Already Taken Action. Why haven’t we?

In January 2022, the European Union banned Titanium Dioxide as a food additive after determining it was no longer safe for human consumption. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to allow it under the FDA’s outdated GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list despite massive evidence of its dangers.

This would be the first step towards preventive care and benefitting our health in the long run. Despite the small quantity of ingestion, these products are regularly consumed and cause severe long-term health effects. Eliminating Titanium Dioxide from food products would benefit everyone and NYC is just the first step!

New York should follow the EU’s lead and ban Titanium Dioxide in food products to protect public health, especially for adolescents who are most exposed to it through candy and processed snacks.