European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Re-Evaluates & Reaffirms Safety of Aspartame, Acesulfame K and Aspartame–Acesulfame Salt
The Calorie Control Council supports the findings of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)’s reaffirmation of the safety of aspartame following scientific a review of the salt of aspartame-acesulfame.
The review conducted by EFSA’s Food Additives and Flavorings (FAF) Panel examined all available research on aspartame–acesulfame salt considering both short-term and long-term effects.
According to EFSA, one of the world’s most trust food safety agencies, “The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels for acesulfame K, aspartame, and the salt of aspartame-acesulfame.”
Furthermore, with specific regard to aspartame, in addition to re-confirming its ADI, EFSA clearly states:
“Available evidence does not support a causal link between current dietary exposure to aspartame and adverse health effects such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, haematotoxicity, neurotoxicity, developmental effects, general toxicity or toxicity in any organ or tissue, or disturbances in glucose regulation.”
What were the outcomes and implications of the re-evaluation?
- Salt of aspartame-acesulfame does not pose a safety concern for consumers at current levels of exposure (nor does aspartame and ace-k).
- There are no concerns regarding genotoxicity (damage to genetic material in the body) of salt of aspartame-acesulfame, based on the individual assessments of its two components (aspartame and acesulfame).
- Available evidence does not support a causal link between current dietary exposure to aspartame and adverse health effects such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, haematotoxicity, neurotoxicity, developmental effects, general toxicity or toxicity in any organ or tissue, or disturbances in glucose regulation.
- The existing acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for aspartame (40 mg/kg bw per day) and ace-k (15 mg/kg bw per day) remain valid for evaluating the safety salt of aspartame-acesulfame
- Consumer exposure to aspartame or ace-k does not exceed the previously established ADIs.
Why does EFSA re-evaluate approved ingredients?
The European Food Safety Authority reevaluates sweeteners and other food additives periodically to ensure they still meet current safety standards as new scientific studies, exposure data, manufacturing methods, and consumption patterns emerge over time. EFSA’s scientists are currently re-evaluating the safety of all sweeteners that were already permitted for use in foods before 20 January 2009.
Has EFSA previously re-evaluated and re-confirmed the safety of other sweeteners?
Yes. EFSA routinely re-evaluates previously authorized food additives as part of the European Union’s ongoing food-safety review process. These comprehensive assessments consider the latest available scientific evidence and exposure data, and have resulted in safety conclusions for several widely used sweeteners, including:
- Aspartame (2013)
- Erythritol (2023)
- Saccharin (2024)
- Acesulfame K (Ace-k) (2025)
- Neotame (2025)
- Sucralose (2026)
About Aspartame–Acesulfame Salt
Aspartame–acesulfame salt is a low-calorie sweetener offering a sugar-like taste. It is approximately 350 times sweeter than sugar, allowing for calorie reduction in food and beverage applications.
This sweetener is a compound of two well-known ingredients, aspartame and acesulfame potassium (ace-k), combined in a single crystalline form. By weight, it contains about 64% aspartame and 36% ace-k.
During digestion, the compound separates into its two components. Aspartame is broken down and metabolized by the body. Ace-k passes through the body unmetabolized and is eliminated via the kidneys.
Facts About Aspartame–Acesulfame Salt
- Approximately 350x sweeter than sugar, meaning only a very small amount is needed to achieve the same/similar level of sweetness as sugar
- Combines aspartame and ace-k
- Breaks down into aspartame and ace-k after consumption
- Both component sweeteners have been extensively evaluated by food-safety authorities
- Supports calorie reduction in foods, beverages, and tabletop sweeteners
Safety Of Aspartame–Acesulfame Salt
Aspartame–acesulfame salt has been carefully assessed by global regulatory bodies including EFSA and it is also approved for use in foods, beverages, and tabletop sweeteners in numerous global markets, including Australia, Mexico and New Zealand. It is also approved in the USA, where it falls under the existing regulations on aspartame and acesulfame-K.
Related Resources
Read the FAQ
Learn more about EFSA’s review.
Learn more about aspartame.
Learn more about ace-k.