Titanium dioxide, which has been a source of controversy for years, is getting another layer of scrutiny thanks to this petition. According to the EWG’s analysis, the white dye is found in more than 1,800 food products, ranging from convenience foods to chicken and chips.
Many of these products are intended for children. Melanie Benesch, EWG’s vice president of government relations, said in a press release that the chemical, which can accumulate in the body and cause harm, should not be found in food and beverages intended for this age group.
The petition states that the safety of titanium dioxide was last reviewed by the FDA in 1973. It claims that the FDA considered the chemical safe because at the time it was believed that the dye was not absorbed by the body.
Subsequent studies using new technologies have shown that nanoparticles of the chemical can be absorbed by the digestive system.
In 2018, the European Food Safety Authority updated its guidance on the potential risks posed by nanoparticles in food additives. Based on this, titanium dioxide was reassessed, leading to its ban by the government.
According to the European Food Safety Authority, it is unclear whether the dye can cause irreversible harm to people who consume it. The substance has been classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
This is the second petition in recent times to try to get the FDA to revoke the authorization of a synthetic food coloring that is banned elsewhere or for other purposes.
Last October, several consumer groups asked the FDA to revoke the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food, food additives, and medicines. Scientific studies have linked the red dye to cancer in animals, and the FDA banned its use in cosmetics and topical medicines in 1990.
According to Regulations.gov, 34,778 comments were posted in the docket for red number 3, which was closed earlier this month. No action has yet been taken on the petition.