The whole scientific experimental design in some of these studies is‌ very flawed, Kaminski said.

Following the EU’s ban on E171, the FDA told the Guardian that, based on current evidence, titanium dioxide as a food additive is safe.  “The available safety studies do not demonstrate safety concerns connected to the use of titanium dioxide as a color additive.”

Is titanium dioxide (E171) harmful to our health?

Titanium dioxide is a versatile material with a wide range of applications. Some of its most common uses include:
1. Pigment and Food Coloring
Titanium dioxide is one of the most widely used white pigments, often used to add whiteness and brightness to products. It is used in the production of paints, coatings, plastics and other products to provide a white color or opacity.
It’s also used in food products to provide a white color. Candies, cakes and creamers are examples of foods that may contain titanium dioxide for its color enhancing and bleaching properties.
2. Cosmetics
Titanium dioxide is often used as a UV absorber and pigment in cosmetic products, such as foundations, lipsticks, creams, sunscreens and other skin care products. It helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays by blocking them, while providing a brightening effect.
However, it can cause photosensitivity, which

Titanium dioxide is a versatile material with a wide range of applications. Some of its most common uses include:

Titanium Dioxide prices in Germany increased by about 4% in the second quarter compared to what was seen in Q1 from historical price trends. Due to the restrictions on Russian energy imports brought on by the sanctions imposed by European countries, domestic production of TiO2 saw its costs surge even further. Additionally, the commodity's price was highlighted and its market expansion was supported by the upstream construction and automation sectors' buoyant demand.

Titanium Dioxide is largely produced by the reduction of titanium tetrachloride, obtained in turn from chlorination of natural rutile, synthetic rutile derived from ilmenite or even slags rich in TiO2 produced by metallurgical treatment of ilmenite. TiO2 is also manufactured by treatment of ilmenite with sulfuric acid. Raw materials and the respective production processes employed in the manufacturing of Titanium Dioxide are listed below.

It adds a bright white color to coffee creamers, baked goods, chewing gums, hard-shell candies, puddings, frostings, dressings, and sauces. But the nanoparticles found in “food-grade” titanium dioxide may accumulate in the body and cause DNA damage—which is one way chemicals cause cancer and other health problems. 

In India, purchasers took a wait-and-see strategy because of the concerns about an unpredictable demand pattern following the second wave of the pandemic around the end of September. Whereas in China, producers were heard operating at optimal rates even though export orders were low in July.

Other experts say there is simply no conclusive evidence at this point that titanium dioxide is damaging to humans after ingesting. Kaminski in particular said the research studies cite health hazards that were found by using high doses of the product, which you would not normally see in food.