Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Toxicology
• Chemical Analysis

Background:

• Acesulfame potassium (E 950) is a widely used artificial sweetener in the EU.
• Previous safety assessments and authorizations required re-evaluation based on new scientific data.
• Understanding the stability and potential degradation products of acesulfame K is crucial for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the safety of acesulfame potassium (E 950) as a food additive.
• To review existing authorisations, scientific evaluations, and new data on acesulfame K.
• To establish a revised Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for acesulfame K.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of existing authorisations and scientific evaluations.
• Analysis of new scientific data, including genotoxicity studies and in silico assessments.
• Systematic appraisal of human and animal studies to identify a reference point for adverse effects.

Main Results:

• Acesulfame K (E 950) is stable under most conditions but degrades at low pH and high temperatures.
• No genotoxicity concerns were identified for acesulfame K or its degradation products.
• A potential genotoxicity concern was identified for the impurity 5-chloro-acesulfame, with a recommended limit or further data.
• A revised ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day was established, replacing the previous 9 mg/kg bw per day ADI.
• Estimated exposure levels for all population groups were generally below the revised ADI.

Conclusions:

• Acesulfame potassium (E 950) is considered safe at the established ADI, with no genotoxicity concerns.
• Recommendations were made for impurity limits and potential revision of EU specifications for acesulfame K.
• The revised ADI ensures continued safe use of acesulfame K as a food additive within the EU.