What is Titanium Dioxide (E 171)?
Titanium Dioxide is a white pigment food colorant used to give white color to foods or to restore their color. It is defined in the Turkish Food Codex with the code E 171.
Where is Titanium Dioxide Used?
It is used for coloring in food categories permitted by regulations. For permitted categories and maximum amounts, please see the table below.
Pharmaceutical / Food Industry Applications
- Lake (aluminum lake) form is used as a coating colorant in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements (for coating tablets, dragees, capsules, and supplement products).
- It can also be used in pharmaceuticals as a white pigment/opacifier. If the product specification states USP, NF, or Ph.Eur, the product's compliance with pharmaceutical standards is verified according to these standards.
- There is no ban on use in dietary supplements; it can be used within the limits established for foods.
In Which Foods and at What Levels is Titanium Dioxide Used? — Legal Limits (Turkish Food Codex)
E 171 Titanium Dioxide is a white pigment/opacifier. Regulations list quantum satis for certain food categories; its primary use is as a white coating for tablets/dragees/capsules in pharmaceuticals and supplement products.
| Food category | Maximum amount | Footnote |
|---|---|---|
| Fish paste and crustacean paste | quantum satis | — |
| Pre-cooked crustaceans | quantum satis | — |
Note: "quantum satis" means use as required by good manufacturing practice without a specific numerical upper limit. In Group III colorants, the total amount must not exceed the combined maximum established for the group.
E-Number, Color, and Technical Specifications
- E code: E 171 · Color: white
- Forms: powder (water-soluble) and aluminum lake
Storage, Shelf Life, and Re-test Period
For our products, the recommended re-test period is 3 years; it may extend up to 5 years with some manufacturers and varies by producer. The CoA / specification document for the relevant batch shall be used as the basis for the exact re-test date.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA, and pharmaceutical compliance information (USP/NF/Ph.Eur) as well as supply conditions for Titanium Dioxide (E 171).