E171, E174 and E175: the nano content of three food additives under the microscope

.
.
.
14/06/2021
Newsflash
additives food gold nanosilver titanium dioxide characterization

The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has published a report on the physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles in food additives. Carried out with Sciensano and the support of the Joint Research Center (JRC) the tests have highlighted :

  • between 64 and 73% of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in E171 additives on the market
  • more than 97% of silver nanoparticles contained in the tested E174 additives
  • no gold nanoparticles detected in the tested E175 additives.

Our information sheets to go further

Bibliography
drugs
E171 and pharmaceuticals – Bibliography
Bibliography
ethics
Nanotechnologies and ethics – Bibliography
Info sheet
food
Risks associated with the ingestion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
See all

Other news on the topic

image
Article
drugs
14/08/2025
Authorization of E171 in medicines “should be maintained”, at the request of pharmaceutical companies
image
Article
health
06/08/2025
Lobbies score the overturning of titanium dioxide’s classification as an inhalation carcinogen
image
Article
food
23/07/2025
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles found even in human, animal and infant milks
See all

Upcoming Nano Agenda

22
Sep.
2025
Innovative Research Paths in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Advanced Nano 2025, Krakow – Poland)
Krakow
Conference
Info +
29
Sep.
2025
15th Meeting on Nanoscience Advances (MNA 2025) (C’Nano, Porquerolles Island – France)
Porquerolles island
Conference
research
nanosciences
research

info +
30
Sep.
2025
Nanomaterials: Best practices in nanomaterials risk prevention: awareness-raising and laboratory scenarios (CNRS, Paris – France)
Paris
Training
  • Training for nanomaterial handlers (technicians, engineers, PhD students, researchers, etc.) and prevention assistants
  • Organizers: CNRS
  • Objectives: learn about the risks involved in handling nanomaterials and the prevention and protection measures to be implemented, as well as best practices for limiting exposure.
  • Topics covered:
    • Health effects / Risk assessment
    • Preventive measures / Good laboratory practice / Time and space management / Collective and individual protection / Cleaning methods for surfaces, materials and equipment / Product storage / Product management
  • Hands-on workshops:
    • Implementing best practices when handling nanometric powders / Case studies / Assessment & recommendations
    • Case studies: risk analysis and recommendations
    • Examples of workstation design involving nanomaterials
  • Website: https://formation.ifsem.cnrs.fr/training/1027/4426

+ d’infos
See all