Re-evaluation of Acesulfame K (E 950) as Food Additive
Monday, May 5, 2025
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  • Currently, acesulfame K (E 950) is an authorized food additive in the European Union (EU) in 34 food categories with maximum permitted levels ranging from 25 to 2500 mg/kg in 31 foods categories and at quantum satis in 3 food categories of table-top sweeteners.
  • In its updated scientific assessment, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 15 mg/kg bw per day based on a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 1500 mg/kg bw per day and applying an uncertainty factor of 100. This is an interesting outcome on the part of the Authority, as the previously established ADI was much lower (9 mg/kg bw/day, according to the scientific evaluation of the Scientific Committee on Food, EFSA’s predecessor body in the EU, in 2000), but it is unlikely that the European Commission will increase the maximum permitted levels in those 31 food categories.
  • Furthermore, the EFSA Panel recommends the European Commission to amend the specifications of E 950 in Commission Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012 (the Food Additive Specifications Regulation) by
    • Including the CAS number 55589- 62-3;
    • Inserting a maximum limit of 0.1 mg/kg for 5-chloro-acesulfame (unless appropriate genotoxicity data for 5-chloro-acesulfame are provided to the Authority);
    • Inserting a maximum limit of 1 mg/kg for acetylacetamide; and
    • Lowering the limit of lead and mercury.
  • On the other hand, no specifications for microbiological criteria are needed according to the Authority.
  • For more details, see EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings, 2025. Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive. EFSA Journal, 23(4), e9317. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9317
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