Following Pressure of an NGO: Producer of Donuts Abandons the Use of Titanium Dioxide
In the last few weeks, the sweet pastries have caused some uproar in the US-American media. The sugary toppings of donuts contain titanium dioxide as colorant. The additive is added to many other food products too and may contain a certain amount of nanoscaled particles due to manufacturing processes. Following pressure of an NGO and with explicit reference to the nanoscaled fraction in the substance, a big manufacturer has now announced to banish titanium dioxide from its products. Titanium dioxide has been used as a food additive for decades and is considered as safe. This case illustrates the importance of the public perception of “nano” for companies.
On the 5th of March, the American NGO “As You Sow”, which is financed by donations, published a press release with the title “Dunkin’ Donuts to Remove Nanomaterials from Powdered Donuts”. The NGO writes that “Dunkin’ Brands” - the parent company of “Dunkin’ Donuts” - has agreed to abandon the use of titanium dioxide in sugary toppings. “As You Sow” refers to a declaration the NGO received from “Dunkin’ Brands”. At this point in time, “As You Sow” had already submitted a shareholder proposal for the vote in the general assembly of “Dunkin’ Brands”. The proposal demanded the company to prepare a report on the use of nanomaterials in products or packaging. “Dunkin’ Brands” was asked to explain why the nanomaterials are applied and what measures are taken to reduce the accompanying risks.
„As You Sow“ tested the sugar topped donuts in 2013 in an independent laboratory and detected nanoscaled titanium dioxide particles. In its press release, “As You Sow” explains that the small size of nanoparticles can elicit increased toxicity in humans and the environment. The existing information, especially on the application of nanomaterials in food, is stated to be insufficient.
The declaration of “Dunkin’ Brands” caused a lot of reactions in the media. Various American journals headlined “Dunkin’ Donuts to Remove Titanium Dioxide from Donuts” (CNN and LA Times, among other) or conducted further investigations and wrote: „There are 27 ingredients in a Dunkin‘ Donuts powdered doughnut“ (The Washington Post), and so on.
Titanium dioxide has been used as a food additive for a long time. There are no known cases in which the ingestion had negative effects. The Chief Communication Officer of “Dunkin’ Brands” pointed out that the food additive is not to be considered as a nanoparticle according to the definition issued by the FDA (Food and Drug Agency).
Andrew Maynard, Director of the Risk Science Centre of the University of Michigan, published an expert statement. He emphasized the importance of separate investigations of different nanomaterials and also stated that properties should not be generalized solely because of the size of the materials. He mentioned the necessity to consider the route of exposure (e.g. inhalation or ingestion). The inhalation of nanoparticles tends to be more hazardous than the ingestion of such. Thus, more studies are performed on inhalation. Maynard considers that research needs to be done on both routes of exposure, especially regarding the amounts of nanomaterials and the circumstances of exposure causing negative effects. Many previous studies have been performed applying concentrations that would not occur under normal circumstances.
The results illustrate the enormous media response that may result from the use of nanoscaled particles in food - whether purposefully or due to manufacturing processes. Uncertainties regarding the risks and opportunities of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies persist in society. The application or occurrence of nanomaterials in sectors with direct consumer exposure attract public attention. Since especially titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide (which may contain nanoscaled particles) are applied in a lot of foodstuff, companies should chose a proactive approach and pursue a transparent information policy. Otherwise, they might be confronted with negative public perception and the corresponding pressure, as the present example has illustrated.
Image Source: Evan-Amos