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European Food Safety Authority Reconfirms Safety of Low-Calorie Sweeteners

European Food Safety Authority Reconfirms Safety of Low-Calorie Sweeteners In February 2011, following a comprehensive review of two recent studies questioning the safety of low-calorie sweeteners, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that these new studies do not give reason to reconsider the previous safety evaluations of aspartame or other low-calorie sweeteners (intense sweeteners) authorized in the European Union. As is the normal practice, EFSA will continue to monitor related scientific developments in this area.

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Food Safety Authority of Ireland Releases Aspartame Fact Sheet

Aspartame (E951) has been used as a sweetener in foods and as a table-top sweetener for more than 20 years in many countries throughout the world. Aspartame is the methyl ester of the dipeptide of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It is an odourless, white crystalline powder which has a clean, sweet taste. It is referred to as an intense (or artificial) sweetener and is used to replace sugar in a wide range of sugar-free and low-calorie foods.

Full text of Aspartame Fact Sheet

Leading Scientists Around the World Confirm Safety of Aspartame

Comprehensive Review of More than 500 Studies Re-affirms the Benefits and Safety of Aspartame

Overwhelming Scientific Evidence Confirms Safety of Aspartame

FDA, Others Affirm Safety of Aspartame

FDA Re-Affirms Safety; Ramazzini Findings Unsupported

Just last week, on April 20, 2007, FDA issued a statement that it has completed a review of the Ramazzini study, concluding that the study data made available to them by the European Ramazzini Foundation (ERF) “do not appear to support the aspartame-related findings reported by ERF.” FDA added, “These data do not provide evidence to alter FDA's conclusion that the use of aspartame is safe.”

Read the full FDA Update

NZFSA Supports Safety of Aspartame

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) recently issued a press release stating, "Recent media reports about possible reactions to large doses of aspartame from chewing gum, and reports of a study by the Italian Ramazzini Foundation which link aspartame with cancer, are not consistent with the findings of a large number of studies over many years which have been evaluated by leading food safety agencies around the world."

Read the NZFSA press release

European Food Safety Authority Re-Confirms Safety of Aspartame: Comprehensive Review of Ramazzini Study Demonstrates No Scientific Evidence of Aspartame and Cancer Link

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced there is no reason to recommend any dietary change in regard to the low-calorie sweetener, aspartame. The report from EFSA’s AFC Panel specifically states, “In its opinion published today, the Panel concluded, on the basis of all the evidence currently available, that there is no need to further review the safety of aspartame nor to revise the previously established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for aspartame (40 mg/kg/body weight).” EFSA’s statement is the result of its review of a recent study by the Ramazzini Institute, which alleged an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma with aspartame use.
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Read EFSA's press release on their findings concerning the Ramazzini study

Read EFSA's full report of their findings concerning the Ramazzini study

Read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's press release

New NIH/NCI Study Confirms Safety of Aspartame Five-Year, Government Funded, Epidemiology Study Shows No Risk Between Aspartame and Cancer

A new epidemiology study from the National Cancer Institute confirms previous study conclusions that there is no link between aspartame consumption and leukemias, lymphomas and brain tumors. The study, presented at the American Association of Cancer Research meeting in Washington, D.C., evaluated over 500,000 men and women between the ages of 50 and 69 over a five-year period. The researchers report, “Our findings from this epidemiologic study suggest that consumption of aspartame-containing beverages does not raise the risk of hematopoietic or brain malignancies.”
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Aspartame is safe for use

Aspartame, used by more than 100 million people around the world, is found in more than 6,000 products. Aspartame, approved for use in more than 100 countries, has been extensively researched and more than 200 studies have been conducted. Read on to learn more about this low-calorie sweetener, its components, aspartame in the diet, its safety record and more.

Aspartame Q&A Brochure (pdf)

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The Calorie Control Council, a non-profit association established in 1966, seeks to provide an
objective channel of scientific-based communications about low-calorie foods and beverages, to
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