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.