Aspartame

The European Ramazzini Foundation of Oncology and Environmental Sciences in Italy released two reports in 2005 and 2006 claiming to have found a significant increase in lymphomas and leukaemias in rats exposed to a diet containing aspartame.  The European Food Safety Authority has evaluated these and other studies and, in May 2006, announced that there was no reason to revise the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame of 40 mg/kg bodyweight.

What is aspartame?

Aspartame is a sweetener used to replace sugar in food products.  These include tabletop sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, yoghurt and confectionary.  Its food additive code number is [951].

Why does FSANZ evaluate the safety of food additives?

Before they can be sold in Australia and New Zealand, food additives must undergo a safety assessment by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to ensure that they do not present a public health or safety concern to the general population and, particularly, to possible vulnerable sub-groups of the population such as children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems.   We also conduct these pre-market safety assessments on processing aids (eg yeasts) and on novel foods (eg ginseng as an ingredient) or new food technologies (eg genetically modified foods).

Is aspartame safe?

FSANZ has assessed the safety of aspartame and approved its use for a range of foods.   FSANZ also recently carried out a survey in September 2003 which looked in detail at current intake levels of aspartame by average and high consumers.   We found that average consumers reached a low 6% of the ADI, while high consumers reached 15% of the ADI.   On the basis of this work, FSANZ has concluded that, in Australia, aspartame levels are well below those at which adverse health effects might be observed.

What do the European findings mean?

The decision by the European Food Safety Authority not to alter the ADI for aspartame endorses FSANZ’s conclusion in 2003 that aspartame, used in the approved manner, is safe for human consumption.  It is identified either by name or by the number [951] on food labels if it is present in food.   Consumers can use this information to assist decision making.

Will FSANZ take any regulatory action?

No.  We are confident that the scientific evidence supports the current uses of aspartame in food products.

 

June 2006