What is E171?
E171 is Titanium dioxide, a colour. Mineral. Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022 for safety reasons; still allowed in Great Britain.
Also written as: INS 171, E-171, E 171. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Frequently asked questions
Is E171 halal?
E171 (Titanium dioxide) is halal. Mineral. Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022 for safety reasons; still allowed in Great Britain.
What is E171 made from?
Mineral.
What is E171 used for?
E171 is used as a colour, typically in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, sauces and snacks.
What should I do if a product contains E171?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Related E-numbers
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. How we decide · Suggest a correction