Titanium dioxide: A whitener with broad application

Titanium dioxide, a synthetic whitening agent, is found in many pet foods and treats.

Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.

June 10, 2019

Titanium dioxide is a colorant with a lot of applications and some research that could lead to small changes in standards of use. (Dr_Microbe | iStockPhoto.com)

Titanium dioxide is a colorant with a lot of applications and some research that could lead to small changes in standards of use. (Dr_Microbe |
iStockPhoto.com)

Titanium dioxide is a synthetic color additive that is permitted in foods in the U.S., European Union and elsewhere. It is a durable pigment that provides background whitening to a host of products: everything from plastics and paints to cosmetics, sunscreens, oral care products (toothpaste) and even food. For foods, it can be found in chewing gum, confections and frostings to name a few.

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