The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have objected the European Commission’s (EC) proposals on food products containing titanium dioxide (E171) and acrylamide as they might be harmful to kids.

MEPs objected EC’s proposed amendment for the use of E171 in food additives, approved with 443 votes.

Currently, E171 is used in the food industry for colouring confectionery, bakery and pastry products, as well as chewing gum, candies, chocolates and ice-cream.

The European Parliament (EP) has urged the commission to remove E171 from the EU list of permitted food additives.

MEPs raised their concerns saying that these food products are popular with children and the usage of E171 could be harmful.

Furthermore, the members brought to the notice of the Parliament that the French government also banned the sales of food products containing E171 from 1 January, supported by 85,000 citizens across Europe.

MEPs also opposed the second objection with regard to the Commission’s proposal to amend the rules setting maximum levels of acrylamide in certain foodstuffs for infants and young children.

Earlier, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed that acrylamide is a processing contaminant and has the potential to increase the risk of developing cancer in all age groups.

MEPs have requested in their resolution to the Commission to lower the proposed maximum level allowed for two food products given to infants and young children as they are the most exposed, based on their bodyweight.

With these objections adopted by the European Parliament, the Commission cannot approve the proposed actions and have to amend or withdraw them.