Due to cancer risk
Switzerland bans dye E171
Too many wine gums contain the dye E171
© Jens Büttner / DPA
Baked goods, sweets or spreads-E171 is found in numerous foods. Switzerland has now banned the additive due to health concerns.
The dye E171 has been under criticism for a long time. Switzerland has now decided to ban the additive contained in many foods. The move is prompted by a recent study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
In the study, the researchers:innen come to the conclusion: “E171 is no longer considered safe when used as a food additive.”The reason for this is the titanium dioxide contained in the dye, which is suspected to increase the risk of cancer.
Possible damage to the genetic material
In a first study conducted in 2014, EFSA concluded that further research is needed to finally assess the toxicity of E171. This gap has now been closed. Although no conclusive evidence for the toxic effect of E171 could be found in the new study, according to EFSA, negative effects on the human genome and possible cancer risks cannot be ruled out.
Food retailers under pressure
Based on the new scientific findings, the Swiss Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) plans to ban the further use of E171 as a food additive. However, it is still unclear when exactly the ban will be officially pronounced. Due to the ongoing criticism in recent years, many food retailers have begun to ban the additive E171 from their product range. However, due to the new legal regulation, the dye must now be consistently banned from supermarket shelves.
Baked goods, sweets and co.
In addition to baked goods, E171 is also used in the food industry in sweets, sauces and processed nuts. The additive is intended to help make colourless foods more visually appealing. In addition to food, cosmetics and medicines also contain the titanium dioxide contained in E171.
Source: EFSA, ” Luzerner Zeitung”
