Food additive E171 banned in food products from Moldova

Chisinau, 27 December /MOLDPRES/ - The National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) warns that the food additive E171, known as titanium dioxide, is no longer authorized for use in the food products from Moldova. ANSA noted that it would enhance the control over the food products on market, including at the border crossing points, in order to assess the risk of content of titanium dioxide.  

The decision to prohibit this food additive is based on a notification by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which concluded that E171 can no longer be regarded as a safe food additive.   

The food products with content of titanium dioxide, introduced on market till the entrance into force of the concerned amendments, could be kept in circulation till the expiration of the product’s validity term or till the exhausting of stocks.   

Given that more than nine months have passed since the entrance into force of the new rules, ANSA today informed that it would enhance the control over the food products on market, including at the border crossing points, in order to evaluate the risk of content of titanium dioxide.   

The titanium dioxide is used, in order to give a white colour to more food products, beginning with baked products and spreadables, up to soups, salad dressings and food supplements.  

At the same time, the E171 food additive remains to be used in medicines, both in Moldova and the European Union.