Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of aspartame (E 951) as a food additive

In an Opinion published in December 2013, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that aspartame and its breakdown products were safe for human consumption at current levels of exposure. To carry out this first full risk assessment of this sweetener, EFSA undertook a rigorous review of all available scientific research on aspartame and its breakdown products, including both animal and human studies.

However, a study published by the scientific journal Nature in September 2014 contradicted such conclusions, stating that artificial sweeteners could raise the blood sugar level instead of reducing it.

• Primary Source

EFSA: Press Release, 10.12.13: EFSA completes full risk assessment on aspartame and concludes it is safe at current levels of exposure http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/131210.htm

EFSA: Topics: Sweeteners: Aspartame http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/aspartame.htm

EurActiv, 10.12.13: EU food safety agency says aspartame poses no risk for consumers http://www.euractiv.com/health/aspartame-poses-risk-european-co-news-532246

EurActiv, 24.09.14: Scientists once again question the safety of aspartame http://www.euractiv.com/sections/agriculture-food/scientists-once-again-question-safety-aspartame-308682

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