After pressure from the advocacy group As You Sow, Dunkin’ Donuts is dropping the chemical titanium dioxide from its powedered sugar donuts. The chemical is used to make the powdered sugar appear brighter. As You Sow argues that chemical titanium dioxide is not safe for human consumption. It’s also used in sunscreen and paint.
Dunkin’ Donuts claims that titanium dioxide “does not meet the definition of ‘nanomaterial’ as outlined under FDA guidance.” But it said nonetheless it is making the change to remove the chemical from its donuts. A spokesperson for Dunkin’ Donuts said the company began testing “alternative formulations” for the doughnut in 2014.