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See Also: Saccharin; Sucralose; Sugar; Corn Syrup; etc.
ASPARTAME (Sweetener)
Aspartame: Discovered in 1965, FDA approved its use in dry foods in 1981 and its use in beverages in 1983. In 1996, FDA approved aspartame as a general purpose sweetener, concluding that it could be used in all categories of foods and beverages. Due to anecdotal reports and unscientific allegations, the safety of aspartame was reevaluated and confirmed again in 2002 by both the French Food Safety Agency and EFSA.
Additionally, in 2006, the AFC Panel of EFSA evaluated a long-term study on the carcinogenicity of aspartame and concluded that, based on the current data available, there is no reason to further review the safety of aspartame.
Aspartame has been proven safe for the general population, except for individuals with a rare hereditary disease known as phenylketonuria (PKU), who must restrict their intake of phenylalanine from all sources including aspartame. Foods containing aspartame as an ingredient must include a statement on the label advising phenylketonurics.
Reprinted from the International Food Information Council Foundation
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