The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reconfirmed the safety of Acesulfame K (E 950), a low/no calorie sweetener widely used in food and beverage products, following a comprehensive, science-driven re-evaluation.
EFSA’s review is part of the European Union’s ongoing program to reassess food additives authorized prior to 2009, ensuring their safety in light of current scientific knowledge and evolving dietary trends. In this recent opinion, EFSA concluded that acesulfame K poses no safety concerns, raising its Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) from 9 to 15 mg/kg body weight—a protective level well above current estimates of consumer exposure.
“Based on the available data, no safety concerns arise for genotoxicity of acesulfame K (E 950) and its degradation products,” EFSA stated, underscoring its commitment to science-based food safety regulation.
Implications for Public Health Policy
The EFSA’s conclusions hold particular significance for healthcare professionals and public health policymakers. Amid growing global concern over rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic diseases, acesulfame K and other low/no calorie sweeteners offer a safe, effective means to reduce added sugar intake without compromising taste or dietary satisfaction.
Health professionals can confidently recommend products containing acesulfame K as part of calorie-controlled diets or strategies to manage blood glucose levels. Additionally, because it is non-fermentable by oral bacteria, it does not contribute to tooth decay, aligning with dental health promotion efforts.
Addressing Public Concerns with Scientific Evidence
EFSA’s updated opinion comes at a time when public discourse has included calls for bans on certain artificial sweeteners, citing concerns related to cancer, hormonal disruption, thyroid issues, and cognitive health. However, EFSA’s conclusions are based on the totality of scientific evidence, including toxicological studies, metabolic data, and long-term safety assessments.
This updated evaluation confirms the conclusions of other respected global authorities, including the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), Health Canada, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Such regulatory alignment is vital for evidence-based policymaking and reinforces the integrity of the international food safety framework.
A Versatile Tool for Industry and Policy
Acesulfame K, also known as acesulfame potassium or Ace-K, is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, with the added advantage of being heat stable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications—from baked goods and dairy products to beverages, medicines, and oral care.
This versatility, coupled with its established safety profile, supports its use as a strategic ingredient in sugar-reduction initiatives, nutrition policy reforms, and the development of healthier food environments—objectives central to national and international public health agendas.
Conclusion
The EFSA’s scientific endorsement of acesulfame K reinforces the important role of low/no calorie sweeteners in promoting healthier dietary patterns. For health professionals, this provides a clear, evidence-based foundation for patient guidance. For policymakers, it offers reassurance that current food additive regulations remain protective, science-led, and aligned with broader public health goals.
As food systems continue to evolve, maintaining rigorous, transparent safety evaluations is essential to support innovation, consumer confidence, and population health.
More information:
Re‐evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive- EFSA
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9317
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9317
