Concern topic
Carcinogenicity signals
What this topic is
This topic collects ingredient-level rows our method links to recognised authority classifications, genotoxicity notes, or hazard-list signals. Each card keeps the authority row visible and points back to the ingredient page for the full scope and jurisdiction context.
By NordicScan Evidence Engine · assembled from structured ingredient evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.
Ingredients our method links to this topic
EFSA: EFSA (2021) flagged by re-evaluation that an acceptable daily intake for E171 could no longer be established because a concern for genotoxicity could not be excluded. WHO / IARC: IARC classified titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) on the basis of inhalation of the powder — a hazard classification, not an exposure-specific verdict for finished creams.
AspartameWHO / IARC: The WHO's IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) in 2023, on limited evidence — a hazard classification, not a product-level verdict.
Sodium benzoateUS FDA: The FDA flagged by advisory that benzoate salts together with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can form low levels of benzene in beverages under heat and light; benzene is an authority-listed hazard.
BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)WHO / IARC: IARC classified BHA as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) — a hazard classification. California OEHHA — Proposition 65: California lists BHA under Proposition 65 as a substance the State identifies as a carcinogen.
Sodium nitriteeCFR / US FDA: The US restricted by regulation sodium nitrite to specified foods and prescribed conditions under 21 CFR 172.175. IARC Monographs: IARC classified nitrate or nitrite (ingested) under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A).
Caramel colour class IV (E150d)California OEHHA: California listed by Proposition 65 4-methylimidazole, a constituent tracked for some caramel colour processes, as currently listed for cancer.
TalcIARC Monographs: IARC classified by Monographs talc as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A); this is a hazard classification, not a product-specific exposure estimate. IARC Monographs: IARC classified by Monographs talc as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A); this food scope records the classification without copying cosmetic powder use assumptions.
TBHQeCFR / US FDA: The US listed by 21 CFR 172.185 TBHQ, also known as tertiary butylhydroquinone, as a food additive used as an antioxidant under prescribed conditions.
SaccharinUS FDA: FDA flagged by public Q&A the historical saccharin bladder cancer rat-labeling story and the 2000 NTP removal from the list of potential carcinogens; applicability is historical context, not a current warning-label rule.
Read the category method page for scope, evidence tiers, and the words our method uses.
Common questions
- Does this hub issue a product clearance?
- No. It groups ingredient-level source rows under the published method and does not name brands.
- How are ingredients selected?
- An ingredient appears here when its evidence records carry a cited authority signal matching this topic; the list updates as evidence records are added or revised.
Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · All concern topics.