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Safety and Testing |
Safety
In addition to the rigorous review by the FDA, research on aspartame has been evaluated by numerous governmental and medical authorities including: American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs, American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association, American Cancer Society, American Dental Association, American Council on Science and Health, The Epilepsy Institute, Joint Expert Committee of Food Additives of the World Health Organization and the Scientific Committee for Food of the European Union.
Some critics claim that aspartame's breakdown components (aspartic acid, phenylalanine, methanol) could have harmful effects. However, those claims are unfounded. Aspartic acid and phenylalanine are building blocks of protein that are found in all protein-containing foods. Methanol is a natural breakdown product of many foods such as fruit and vegetable juices. The FDA reviewed animal, clinical and consumption studies submitted by the sweetener's manufacturer, as well as the existing body of scientific data, and "concluded that the studies demonstrated the safety of these components."
Testing
The FDA approved aspartame in 1981 for use in tabletop sweeteners and various foods and dry beverage mixes. It was the first low-calorie sweetener approved by the FDA in more than 25 years. In 1983, the FDA approved the use of aspartame in carbonated beverages. Since then, it has been approved for use in any food or beverage.
In addition to the FDA, aspartame has been reviewed and determined to be safe by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization, the Scientific Committee on Food of the European Union, and the regulatory bodies of 134 countries.
Prior to its regulatory approval, aspartame underwent one of the most rigorous testing programs and thorough regulatory reviews in food ingredient history. Extensive metabolism, pharmacology and toxicology studies were conducted with aspartame on animals. Studies were also done in normal humans, both adults and children, as well as in special sub-populations, such as individuals with phenylketonuria, obese individuals, diabetics and lactating females. Today scientists continue to conduct new studies on this sweetener as they do many other ingredients used in the food supply. The FDA also monitors and evaluates all research on this and other food ingredients.
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