“Today, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to a Citizen Petition from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) asking FDA to revoke the use of the colorant titanium dioxide (TiO2) in foods, including dietary supplements.
In its submission, CHPA says, ‘There is a substantial body of scientific evidence that has been extensively reviewed by a diverse set of regulatory authorities that supports the safe use of TiO2 as a food additive’ and ‘a hasty ban on TiO2 in dietary supplements would have far-reaching consequences. TiO2 plays a crucial role in enhancing the stability and functionality of various dietary supplement finished products.’ CHPA also outlines several key points:
- Established safety and regulatory compliance already exists for TiO2
- TiO2 serves a critical functional role in dietary supplements
- There is a lack of viable alternatives to TiO2
- There are economic implications if TiO2 were no longer permitted for use
- Consumers accept and are aware of TiO2 in products
CHPA notes that consumer safety is always a top concern for the dietary supplement industry. ‘Based on extensive scientific research and regulatory evaluations, TiO2 is deemed safe for use as a food additive when consumed within established regulatory limits,’ and that a ‘ban on TiO2 in food and dietary supplements would be unjustified.’
CHPA’s full comment letter can be found HERE.”
