(Newswire.net — March 10, 2015) — Besides tasty filling, Dunkin’ donuts are well known for its clean white glaze on top, which is the result of titanium dioxide additive. Public interest groups, however, have pressured the company to drop the additive, also used in to sunscreen and paints, because it is not safe for human consumption. The company finally announced they would drop titanium dioxide from their sugar, CNN reported.
Reportedly, the ‘As You Sow’ group claimed that titanium dioxide could cause DNA and chromosomal damage when consumed. After excepting the arguments, Dunkin’ Donuts (DNKN) acted as a socially responsible company and dropped titanium oxide from the production process.
“This is a groundbreaking decision,” said Danielle Fugere, president and chief counsel of the group. “Dunkin’ has demonstrated strong industry leadership by removing this potentially harmful ingredient from its donuts.”
Allegedly, the titanium dioxide is a nanomaterial, which is not regulated or prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration. The group, however, argues that just because the FDA didn’t prohibited it doesn’t mean it safe to consume. Actually, the group argues that there is not enough information on the effect of the compound on humans.
“Asbestos, also a nanomaterial, was used before its harms were fully understood, leading to a costly health crisis,” the group said.
Dunkin’ Donuts claims that titanium dioxide “does not meet the definition of ‘nanomaterial’ as outlined under FDA guidance.” Nonetheless, DNKN decided to remove the chemical from its donuts.
‘As We Sow’ has been introducing shareholder proposals at companies calling for the removal of titanium dioxide from various products. Such a resolution was supported by about 19% of Dunkin’ Brands’ shareholders last year.
Dunkin executive released a letter saying the company has reformulated the powered sugar and was “working on a schedule to roll out the new recipe.”
Titanium dioxide, also known as titanium(IV) oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO
When used as a pigment, it is called titanium white, Pigment White 6 (PW6), or CI 77891. It has a wide range of applications, from paint to sunscreen to food colouring. When used as a food coloring, it has E number E171.