Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in Herbal and Health Products Registered by Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA): A Descriptive Study

Speaker(s)

ABSTRACT WITHDRAWN

OBJECTIVES: Following the ban of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in food products in European Union and Saudi Arabia, this study is concerned with titanium dioxide in herbal and health products. The primary objective is to identify the percentage of herbal and health products containing TiO2 among all newly-registered products by Saudi Food ad Drug Authority (SFDA) during the period from 2018 to 2022. A secondary objective is to describe products containing TiO2 according to products type, pharmaceutical form, registration year and manufacturing company.

METHODS: This study is a retrospective secondary data analysis using data derived from SFDA electronic products registration records (EURS) and drug management system (DMS). Descriptive analysis is conducted to describe the percentage and characteristics of herbal and health products containing TiO2 among all SFDA newly-registered products from 2018 to 2022.

RESULTS: One third [115 (31%)] of herbal and health products contain TiO2. Most TiO2-containing products were found in capsule pharmaceutical form [97 out of 115 (84%)], with significant statistical correlation (P=0.02). TiO2-containing products registration has peaked in 2020, then declined afterwards. Most products are provided by USA manufacturing companies, Spain and local companies, collectively.

CONCLUSIONS: One third of newly-registered herbal and health products contain TiO2, of which market availability may be affected in case of restrictive regulatory actions. USA manufacturing companies are leading contributors to herbal and health products registered by SFDA. Exploring alternatives for TiO2 and TiO2-free products is needed.

Code

HPR192

Topic

Epidemiology & Public Health, Study Approaches

Topic Subcategory

Registries, Safety & Pharmacoepidemiology

Disease

Nutrition