TiO2 in food, responsible for the bright colors in Skittles candies, can accumulate in the body and may cause cancer and damage a person’s DNA. Many other popular food products that are known for their bright colors do not use TiO2 as an ingredient.

The U.S. FDA is, so far, allowing TiO2 use in food as long as it is in small amounts. However, frequent consumption of Skittles, especially among children and young people, can cause TiO2 to accumulate in the body and pose long-term and potentially irreversible damage.

For this reason, the EU said it is banning titanium dioxide as a food additive by the end of 2022.