Rainbow candy can cause DNA changes!

Hotspot in the morning of July 19—"Mars rainbow candy is accused of causing DNA changes."

News reported that American consumers recently filed a lawsuit against Mars Inc. in California state court, alleging that the company's rainbow candy contains excessive amounts of titanium dioxide, which can damage the liver and kidneys, cause DNA changes, and harm to the human brain and other organs.

The titanium dioxide found in Mars' rainbow candy is an additive used in pigments, adhesives, and plastics that can alter human DNA, as well as harm some organs like the brain and the liver as well as kidneys. The indictment states that titanium dioxide is unsafe and that the EU food safety regulator intends to outlaw its use beginning this month.

In accordance with the 14th revision of the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures Regulation 1272/2008, the European Commission has decided to classify titanium dioxide as an inhalation carcinogenicity category 2 as of February 18, 2020. Titanium dioxide is widely used in a variety of industries including coatings, plastics, paper, printing ink, chemical fiber, rubber, cosmetics, and others. It is also a food additive that is primarily used to whiten cheese, sauces, skim milk, ice cream, candy and products, chewing gum, pastries, and cookies.

The chemical composition of the titanium dioxide substance itself is not hazardous to human health, but is carcinogenic only when introduced in a dust particle state. The revised CLP regulations clearly indicate the relevant conditions, the powder state, and particles with an aerodynamic diameter of fewer than 10?m and up to certain content (greater than 1%) to be classified as carcinogenic category 2.

The European Food Safety Authority assessed titanium dioxide's potential effects on humans in 2021, including reproduction, organ toxicity, DNA synthesis, neurotoxicity, immunomodulation, inflammation, and carcinogenicity. Although the review found no direct or potential toxicity from titanium dioxide ingestion, the substance is no longer considered a safe food additive, and the panel recommended that it be removed from the list.

Exposure to chemical mutagens was noticed in the 1950s to cause chromosome breaks and increase the rate of DNA mutations. Although many common DNA mutations have no adverse effect on human health, some may increase the risk of certain diseases.

Food-grade titanium dioxide particles have been shown in studies to accumulate in the liver and kidneys after being injected intravenously or peritoneally into the human circulatory system. In vitro studies have also revealed that titanium dioxide can cause structural damage to the small intestinal villi, potentially leading to intestinal disease.

DNA changes not only cause the development of certain diseases, but they may also hasten the aging process. According to a study published in Current Biology titled "Age-related clonal hemopoiesis is associated with increased epigenetic age", changes in a person's DNA over a lifetime significantly increase his or her risk of heart disease and other age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and chronic ischemic heart failure.

The titanium dioxide found in rainbow candy has been identified by the European Union as a carcinogen that can cause changes in DNA, increasing the risk of a variety of diseases. Rainbow candy fans should pay attention and try to limit their consumption in the future.

A fan of biotechnology who likes to post articles in relevant fields regularly