Viridian presses for Government to ban Titanium Dioxide in Food Supplements and Medicines

Viridian is writing to the UK Government to take immediate action to prohibit the commonly used whitener also known as E171 in foods, and initiate an investigation into other nasty additives in food supplements and medicines. Now Dr Jenny Goodman, author of the book Staying Alive in Toxic Times, who specialises in Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, is joining Viridian’s call to ban Titanium Dioxide. 

EFSA concludes Titanium Dioxide is no longer safe

On 6th May 2021, the European Food Standards Authority (EFSA)announced that E171 is no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. The decision is a result of an assessment of safety that cannot rule out Titanium Dioxide-induced genotoxicity.

Prof Maged Younes, Chair of EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), said: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that Titanium Dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. A critical element in reaching this conclusion is that we could not exclude genotoxicity concerns after consumption of Titanium Dioxide particles. After oral ingestion, the absorption of Titanium Dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body.”

The Truth about Titanium Dioxide

• Titanium Dioxide is used as a whitening agent. It is used in capsule shells and tablets, and gives a uniform colour to foods and consumer products, eg. icing, coffee creamer, toothpaste, sunscreen and more.
• It is estimated that an average adult woman could consume over 4,000mg of E171 every year based on a daily intake of 0.17mg per kg of body weight.
• It is also known under other names: titanium white, E171, Pigment White 6 or CI 77891, when in food or food supplements.
• Titanium Dioxide has no nutritional value – and is therefore completely unnecessary.
• The production of Titanium Dioxide is shrouded in controversy which includes ecological destruction to Madagascar (the home of the largest titanium mining operation in the world).

Viridian urges safeguards for the consumer

Viridian does not use Titanium Dioxide in any of its supplements, and continues to be at the forefront of driving ethical standards in the natural products industry. The company is a strong force in the organics movement as well as being the world’s first palm oil free vitamin company.

Cheryl Thallon, Viridian Founder and MD said: “We’ve been making nutritional supplements for decades without the use of any nasty additives, our customers are comfortable with our products having a range of naturally occurring colours from dark green, through to beige and browns.

“A core pillar of Viridian Nutrition food supplements is purity and wholesome nutrition, without the use of non-nutritive excipients and so it is our opinion that a ban on Titanium Dioxide should be adopted in the UK and we urgently call on the Government to make this a priority. Viridian has long-adopted the ‘say no to Titanium Dioxide’ stance to its supplement and topical ranges.“

Environmental expert and medical doctor, Dr Jenny Goodman, said: “Over the last 20 years, I have seen environmental toxins making many people really ill. It is doubly shocking to see toxic substances like Titanium Dioxide put into foods and nutritional supplements, which should be all about maintaining health.

 

“It should also be removed at once from sunscreens and cosmetics. We need to take action to help us livelong, healthy and vibrant lives, and eliminating Titanium Dioxide and other poisonous additives will be a key step. It serves no purpose at all except to dye things white!”

What you can do 

• Avoid consuming foods with E171
• Contact food suppliers that use E171 and ask them to reformulate
• Write to your local MP
• Share your position on social media and spread the message

The information contained in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.