It's all over the place in our environment, said Dr. Johnson-Arbor.

Infrared analysis showed that the characteristics bands for the bare nanoparticles are still exhibited in the vitamins@P25TiO₂NPs spectra, such as a wide peak in 450–1028 cm⁻¹ related to the stretching vibration of Ti-O-Ti and other peaks in 1630 cm⁻¹ and 3400 cm⁻¹, which represent the surface OH groups stretching. The IR spectrum of vitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs showed signs of binding between compounds. The OH bending peak (1634 cm⁻¹) corresponding to bare nanoparticles disappeared, and the NH₂ bending band characteristic of vitamin B2 appeared (1650 cm⁻¹). The IR spectrum of vitaminC@P25TiO₂NPs also showed signs of successful functionalization. Bands at 1075 cm⁻¹; 1120 cm⁻¹; 1141 cm⁻¹ were observed, which are originated by CO-C vibrations present in the vitamin C. The intense band at 1672 cm⁻¹ is attributed to the C = O stretching in the lactone ring while the peak at 1026 cm⁻¹ is ascribed to the stretching vibration Ti-O-C. Wide bands at 3880–3600 cm⁻¹ are related to stretching vibration OH groups, but those disappear in the modified nanoparticles spectrum. These observations confirm the interactions between the P25TiO₂NPs and the vitamins [35].

In the paper industry, TiO2 is used to create high-quality, bright white paper products. By adding TiO2 to pulp, paper manufacturers can improve the opacity, brightness, and printability of their products. TiO2 also enhances the lightfastness and aging resistance of paper, ensuring that it maintains its appearance and quality over time. With TiO2, paper products can achieve a superior level of whiteness and visual appeal.

For the production of titanium dioxide, the raw material of coatings, China coating Industry Association visited the production enterprises of titanium dioxide. During the visit, we found that Hebei Caixin Material Technology Co., LTD. (hereinafter referred to as Caiqing Technology) has done a lot of work in creating a green ecological industry in titanium dioxide production, and has achieved outstanding results.

Wegman’s puts titanium dioxide in its Original Macaroni and Cheese. Campbell’s Healthy Request Chunky Chicken Corn Chowder has it, as does Food Club’s Chunky New England Clam Chowder. Marzetti uses the color agent to brighten its Cream Cheese Fruit Dip. Dairy products usually don’t need titanium dioxide to look white, but Kroger has decided to add titanium dioxide to its Fat Free Half-and-Half. And titanium dioxide isn’t only in especially white or brightly colored foods: Little Debbie adds it to Fudge Rounds and many other products. According to the Food Scores database maintained by Environmental Working Group, more than 1,800 brand-name food products have titanium dioxide on their ingredients list. That said, it can still lurk as an unspecified “artificial color,” or labels might simply say “color added.”

In 2023, California and New York proposed banning several food additives that are banned in Europe but legal in the United States. Titanium dioxide was among the five proposed to be banned, but in September, the additive was removed from the list of additives from the California ban list.

What's the deal with titanium dioxide?

Some food products will include titanium dioxide on their nutrition label. But again, it can be hard to tell for those who don't list the ingredient.