‹ Ingredient libraryANCESTOR

WHITENER

Titanium dioxide

What it is

A paint-grade whitening pigment, here to make things look brighter and more opaque. That's the whole job.

Why your biology objects

The EU banned it as a food additive in 2022 because EFSA could no longer rule out genotoxicity — the nanoparticles may damage DNA, and they accumulate rather than clear. Added for appearance, with a safety question its makers couldn't close.

Would your ancestors eat this?

Point your camera at any label and get the verdict in seconds. Coming to the App Store.

Request early access