Muscat: The Ministerial decision on 11/2023 banning the production, import, or marketing of food products that contain titanium dioxide (E171) came into effect today.
The decision prohibits producing, importing, or marketing food products to titanium dioxide (E171) and imposes a fine of RO1,000.
Titanium dioxide is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, primarily used as a colorant in a wide range of different applications. It has been used for decades to impart white color to many foods, from baked goods and sandwich spreads to soups, broths, sauces, salad dressings, and food supplements.
According to reports, food additives are added to foods for a technological purpose such as antioxidants and sweeteners, and many processed foods as we know them today would not exist without food additives.
EU legislation is very strict and food additives may only be used if several conditions are met: these include a reasonable technological need, the use does not mislead the consumer and there are advantages and benefits for the consumer, like preserving the food’s nutritional quality.
Additives can help extend products’ shelf-life, which cuts down food waste and plays a crucial role in aiding the manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment, packing, transport, or storage of food.
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