EFSA Reevaluates Safety of Sweetener Aspartame-Acesulfame, Raises No Concerns
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has completed its food additive safety re-evaluation of salt of aspartame-acesulfame (E 962), finding no safety concerns at currently reported uses and use levels.
Salt of aspartame-acesulfame is a sweetener authorized for use in various sugar-free and energy-reduced foods and beverages in the EU. Once ingested, the salt dissociates into its individual components, aspartame and acesulfame.
EFSA’s Panel on Food Additives and Flavorings (FAF) found no safety concerns associated with the currently reported uses and use levels of acesulfame K (E 950), aspartame (E 951), and salt of aspartame-acesulfame (E 962).
The conclusion was based on the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame of 40 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per day, which the Panel reconfirmed, as well as the recently revised acceptable daily intake (ADI) for acesulfame K of 15 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per day.
EFSA estimated that current exposures across all age groups remained below the respective ADIs.
EFSA Recommends Updates to Sweetener Specifications
The Panel recommended updating EU specifications for E 962 to ensure compliance with specifications for the aspartame and acesulfame K used in its production.
Consistent with EFSA’s approach to other safety re-evaluations for sweeteners, the panel also recommended reviewing the limits for arsenic and lead in specifications for aspartame (E 951).
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EFSA's Re-Evaluation of Aspartame-Acesulfame Salt
The scientific opinion was adopted in July 2026 during an open plenary meeting of EFSA’s FAF Panel.
The assessment followed EFSA’s protocol for hazard identification and characterization of sweeteners, which was published for public consultation in 2019, as well as its protocol for assessing exposure to sweeteners, which was published for public consultation in 2020.
