Do starbursts contain titanium dioxide?
According to EFSA, titanium dioxide is used for color pigmentation. The technological function is to make food more visually appealing, which is why you see it typically used in Skittles, Starbursts, and other rainbow-hued candies. The chemical can also be found in cosmetics, paints, and medicines.
...
You can find titanium dioxide in products like:
- Milk.
- Coffee creamer.
- Salad dressing.
- Candy and sweets.
- Chocolate.
- Chewing gum.
- Snacks.
- Sauces.
Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring odorless white powder used as a pigment in a large number of candies, including Skittles, as well as in a range of other products, such as cosmetics and even house paint.
Chewing gum products were found to contain the most titanium dioxide. Products such as Mentos Freshmint Gum, Eclipse Spearmint Gum and Trident White peppermint gum had some of the highest concentrations.
In addition to Skittles, other candies that contain titanium dioxide include Nice! mints, Trolli sour gummies and Ring Pops, according to Environmental Working Group.
There are no known side effects of consuming titanium dioxide. However, animal studies suggest that inhalation of its dust may be linked to lung cancer.
Starbursts. When you can't pronounce most of the product's ingredients, it's safe to say you probably shouldn't eat it. There is just no nutritional value here, friends — zero grams of dietary fiber, no protein and high in sugar.
While the FDA is not acting, Mars Wrigley, the maker of some of the top candies in the world, including Skittles, Starburst and M&Ms, told us it has decided to make a big change, sending us a simple statement that it was removing titanium dioxide from its products in the coming years.
E330 - Citric acid. E202 - Potassium sorbate. High risk of over exposure. E171 - Titanium dioxide.
Why Is Skittles Being Sued? The Mars Corporation is being sued by San Leandro, California, resident Jenile Thames due to "heightened levels" of titanium dioxide in Skittles.
Why is titanium dioxide in food?
One of these additives is titanium dioxide (E171), an odorless powder that enhances the bright white color or opacity of foods. It's often found in chewing gum, candies, pastries, chocolates, coffee creamers, and cake decorations. It's also used in food packaging to preserve the shelf life of a product.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that titanium oxide should not be considered safe as a food additive, due to uncertainties about its ability to damage DNA. Other regulatory organizations have also issued warnings about the ingredient.
INGREDIENTS: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Palm Oil; Less Than 2% Of: Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Pectin, Apple Juice From Concentrate, Mono- And Diglycerides, Confectioner'S Glaze, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Colors (Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1), Carnauba Wax.
Starbursts are a chewy treat and the ingredient list shows they are free from all the major allergens.
Q: What Type of Gelatin is in Starburst? The Gelatin found in most Starburst products is derived from Beef. However, the Gelatin found in Starburst Gummies is derived from Pork.
As with the original Starburst chews, the Starburst gummies contain gelatin, natural and artificial flavors, and artificial food coloring.