The Finnish Customs Authority has made a troubling discovery of banned titanium dioxide (E171) in candy imported from China. This substance, which the EU prohibited in food products for the past two years, raises serious safety concerns. Customs officials may have already sold the candy in Finland before they intervened.
Recent studies show that E171 and nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) may cause inflammation, produce harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), and potentially damage DNA. – National Institutions of Health
Jonna Savander, Head of Product Safety at Finnish Customs, stressed the risks associated with sweets manufactured outside the EU. “Our findings indicate that non-EU manufacturers may still use colorings banned in the EU. It is crucial to be vigilant when importing such products,” Savander stated.
This case is not an isolated incident. Last year, Customs discovered titanium dioxide in both a Mexican candy ball and a Chinese lollipop, which both faced bans from the Finnish market. Customs actively monitors imported sweets by comparing detected additives with the declared ingredients on packaging. Laboratory analyses confirm the colors and their concentrations, according to Sanna Henttonen, a chemist at the Customs Laboratory.
Candy violations decrease
So far this year, Customs has inspected nearly 100 imported confectionery products, resulting in approximately 30% receiving warnings or facing outright rejection. This achievement marks significant progress from the 60% violation rate recorded in the previous two years, with most issues involving food additives and incorrect packaging labels.
Customs has also flagged several candy-toy combinations as potential choking hazards, including four types of candy lipsticks that authorities removed from the market. Savander emphasized the dangers of such products, which several other EU countries have banned. “Candy-toy combinations can be extremely hazardous,” she added.
This year’s inspections involved a wide variety of imported sweets, including chocolates, candy bars, nougat, marshmallows, and more, sourced from both EU nations and regions such as Asia, North America, and South America. Finnish Customs rigorously evaluates food additives and packaging compliance to ensure safety and adherence to EU regulations, with all inspections conducted at the Customs Laboratory.
Source: Helsinki Times
Titanium dioxide should not be a legal food additive – I’ve put it all over my face as sunscreen and can’t imagine eating it.
I’ve spotted it in all kinds of things here in the US – but mainly from imported goods from the Middle East, China, and Mexico.