Regulatory snapshot
United States
Allowed (FDA)
Permitted up to 1% by weight. The FDA continues to review safety data but currently maintains its allowed status.
European Union
Banned
E171 is no longer permitted as a food additive due to concerns that nanoparticles could damage DNA (genotoxicity).
United Kingdom
Banned
The UK has followed the EU in banning E171 after independent safety reviews highlighted similar risks.
Canada
Allowed
Health Canada completed a state-of-the-science review in 2022 and determined it is safe at current levels.
Japan
Allowed
Permitted within specific manufacturing standards; currently no pending ban.
Statuses summarized from public regulatory documents as referenced in the PRūF report. Verify with official regulators for updates.
Why it is on the Red List
- E171 can include a nanoparticle fraction, which regulators cite in genotoxicity concerns.
- EU decisions applied a precautionary approach when safe thresholds were unclear.
- US regulators have maintained an allowed status under current guidance, citing a lack of evidence for direct harm in humans.
Related pages
Sources
- PRūF Red Team Validation report — Internal synthesis provided by PRūF Labs (2025).
Summaries are educational and may be updated as regulations change.