The National Health Department says E171 - a common artificial colouring additive - does not pose a health risk for consumers and its use will not be banned in South Africa, for now.

The National Health Department says E171 – a common artificial colouring additive – does not pose a health risk for consumers and its use will not be banned in South Africa, for now.

Published on

13 October 2021

The additive – used to whiten and brighten products like cake icing, sweets, white sauces, medicine and cosmetics – was found to contain titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which according to research by the European Food and Safety Authority – have the potential to cause DNA damage. EU member states have since agreed to ban E171 from next year as a result of the EFSA’s findings. The bans follow one imposed by France after research found that titanium dioxide may cause pre-cancerous lesions in lab rats.

Merentia Van Der Vent

Merentia joined the media world in 1996 and in 2001, she took her first steps in the broadcasting world. In her free time, she likes to go on adventures in the city. She also likes to learn new dances, not that she is any good at that.

Latest articles

The country has recorded 592 new cases of covid-19, in the last 24-hour reporting period, which represents a 2.1% positivity rate.

A recent study by the University of Stellenbosch has raised concerns over the number of kidney specialists the country produces a year and found that the current rate won’t be enough to address the country’s increasing burden of kidney disease in the coming decade.

The National Health Department says E171 – a common artificial colouring additive – does not pose a health risk for consumers and its use will not be banned in South Africa, for now.

Latest articles

Vigilance is urged as increased travel is expected

Betway SA20: MI Cape Town off to a good start

Blitzboks Brace for Tough SVNS Pool in Perth

NICD: No need to panic over HMPV virus spreading in China

Vigilance is urged as increased travel is expected

Are you ready to play again? Because the game has begun

The City says the ‘Project Blue’ report falsely claims water quality data is from accredited labs

Click here for T&cs