Innophos Unveils Clean-Label Whitening Alternative to Titanium Dioxide

Specialty phosphates producer Innophos has launched VersaCal Bright, a clean-label whitening agent designed to replace titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in select food applications. The launch follows the U.S. FDA’s approval of Innophos’ petition to use calcium phosphate as a colour additive in specific food categories.

Approved for use in donut sugar, coated candy sugar, white candy melts and ready-to-eat chicken, VersaCal Bright delivers a similar visual effect to TiO₂ while contributing calcium and phosphorus to formulations.

“This innovation meets clean-label demands without compromising on visual performance,” said Erhan Yildiz, Senior Product Development Manager at Innophos. “It allows manufacturers to replace titanium dioxide while enhancing product labels with functional nutrients.”

The development comes amid growing consumer and regulatory pressure to phase out TiO₂, banned in the EU and under scrutiny in other markets.

With this regulatory milestone, Innophos is positioned to support reformulation across the food industry, particularly for brands seeking to simplify ingredients and pre-empt future rule changes.

Innophos operates globally with manufacturing sites in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and China, providing science-led solutions for food, nutrition, health and industrial sectors.