Are Skittles safe to eat?

What is titanium dioxide?

Titanium is a common element found in the earth’s crust. In nature, titanium occurs in two forms: titanium oxide or titanium dioxide. While titanium dioxide is found in nature as a mineral, it can also be manufactured commercially. Titanium dioxide is often used as a pigment or dye because it has a bright white color, does not break down easily when exposed to ultraviolet light, and remains stable over time. Because smaller titanium dioxide particles scatter light more effectively, they are often used for whitening purposes. Some of the smallest titanium dioxide particles are less than 100 nanometers in size and are called “nanoparticles”. 

What is titanium dioxide used for?

Approximately 70-80% of titanium dioxide produced worldwide is used for pigmentation in paint, but titanium dioxide is also used as a whitening agent in foods, including coffee creamer, frosting or icing, chewing gum, and lemonade. It is an ingredient in some pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, toothpastes, plastics, and paper. Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is a common ingredient of mineral-type sunscreens, which are sunscreens where the mineral ingredients physically block UV radiation. Titanium dioxide can also be used as a flavor enhancer and can be found in soups, mustard, beer, and wine. “Food-grade” titanium dioxide is often referred to be the abbreviation “E171” and contains up to 40% titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The United States Food and Drug Administration allows titanium dioxide to be used as a food color additive, as long as the amount does not exceed 1% of the food’s weight.

What happens to titanium dioxide in the body?

When humans eat titanium dioxide, less than one-tenth of one percent of the consumed product is actually absorbed by the body. This means that titanium dioxide does not cross into the bloodstream in significant amounts. Instead, consumed titanium dioxide travels through the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted through the feces.

Is titanium dioxide safe?

Because exposures to titanium dioxide pass through the gastrointestinal system, scientists have explored whether titanium dioxide can cause unwanted gastrointestinal side effects. There are few studies concerning the safety of titanium dioxide in the body, and most of these studies have involved animals other than humans. In one study involving mice, titanium dioxide consumption caused an increased number of inflammatory cells in the intestines. In another mouse study, ingestion of food-grade titanium dioxide was associated with increased colorectal tumor formation as well as genetic changes that could be related to cancer growth. Because of their very small size, nanoparticles are believed to create more toxic effects in the human body than larger particles. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles may cause increased cellular changes, DNA damage, and inflammation compared with larger-sized titanium dioxide particles, but more research is needed to define the true damage caused by titanium dioxide nanoparticles in humans. 

Can Skittles cause cancer?

Inhalation of ultra-fine titanium dioxide particles, as well as pigment-grade titanium dioxide, is associated with cancer development in rats, mice, and hamsters. Because of this, titanium dioxide is considered possibly carcinogenic to humans after inhalational exposure. People who work in industrial settings where titanium dioxide is produced may be at increased risk for cancer development, although the exact relationship between titanium dioxide inhalation and cancer in humans remains unclear. While inhalation of titanium dioxide may increase the risk of cancer in some individuals, there is no evidence that eating Skittles is associated with cancer development in humans.

Is titanium dioxide banned in Europe?

In 2021, the European Union prohibited the use of food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive. This ban takes full effect in August 2022 and was based on evidence suggesting that titanium dioxide can affect inflammation and cause genetic damage.  

Why is the maker of Skittles being sued?

In July 2022, a California resident filed a lawsuit against Mars, the manufacturer of Skittles. The lawsuit alleges that Skittles candies, which contain titanium dioxide, are “unfit for human consumption” due to the presence of the chemical.

What should I do if I get sick after eating Skittles?

If you experience adverse or unexpected symptoms from Skittles, get guidance from Poison Control. Get an immediate personalized recommendation online or call 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD
Medical Toxicologist

For media inquiries, please contact Krista Osterthaler at osterthaler@poison.org.