On 17 February 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a comprehensive scientific opinion confirming that sucralose (E 955) remains safe for consumers under its currently authorised conditions of use in the European Union.
Following an extensive review of the available scientific evidence, EFSA reaffirmed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 15 mg/kg body weight per day, concluding that current consumer exposure remains below this level across population groups.
However, EFSA could not confirm the safety of certain proposed new uses involving prolonged high-temperature applications.
What Is Sucralose?
Sucralose (E 955) is a high-intensity sweetener approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar. Because it is used in very small quantities, it provides little to no calories and is authorised in a range of reduced-sugar and sugar-free foods and beverages, including soft drinks, dairy products, desserts and selected fine bakery wares.
Data Considered in EFSA’s Re-evaluation
The 2026 assessment represents the most comprehensive review of sucralose in over 20 years. EFSA evaluated:
- Scientific studies published between January 1999 and March 2025
- Data from targeted calls for information
- Technical dossiers submitted in support of a proposed extension of use
- Technical data (including stability data)
- Information on uses and use levels
- Toxicological studies in experimental animals (including genotoxicity studies)
- Epidemiological studies in humans
EFSA integrated the biological and toxicological evidence using a weight-of-evidence approach, ensuring that conclusions were based on the totality and consistency of the data.
Core Conclusion
- The ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight/day remains appropriate.
- Consumer exposure under current authorised uses remains below this threshold.
- Sucralose is safe for its currently approved uses.
These findings are consistent with previous evaluations by international bodies, including the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
EFSA’s Broader Work to Review the Safety of Sweeteners
The sucralose opinion is part of EFSA’s broader programme to re-evaluate all food additives authorised in the EU before January 2009, as requested by the European Commission.
In recent years, EFSA has re-evaluated several other sweeteners:
- Aspartame (2013)
- Thaumatin (2021)
- Neohesperidine DC (2022)
- Erythritol (2023) – ADI lowered
- Saccharin (2024) – ADI raised
- Acesulfame K (2025) – ADI raised
- Neotame (2025)
This systematic reassessment ensures that regulatory decisions reflect the latest scientific evidence and evolving methodologies in risk assessment.
Additional Assessment of Extended Uses
As part of the re-evaluation, EFSA also examined a request to extend the use of sucralose in certain fine bakery wares.
While overall dietary exposure did not increase substantially when considering this proposed extension, EFSA identified some scientific uncertainties linked to prolonged high-temperature applications. Under such conditions, there is a theoretical possibility that chlorine could migrate from sucralose and contribute to the formation of chlorinated compounds.
EFSA noted that these conditions are not expected to occur under currently authorised industrial uses, and the confirmed safety of existing uses remains unaffected. EFSA recommended that the European Commission consider this issue further before authorising any expanded applications.
A Science-Based and Proportionate Outcome
EFSA’s opinion reflects a balanced approach:
- Strong confirmation of safety where data are robust
- Appropriate caution where uncertainties remain
For consumers, existing authorised uses of sucralose remain within established safety margins.
For industry, any future expansion — particularly in high-temperature bakery applications — will require additional data to address the identified uncertainties.
Overall, the 2026 re-evaluation reinforces the EU’s commitment to maintaining a dynamic, evidence-based food safety framework that evolves alongside scientific knowledge.
