Aspartame
Also known as: E951, 1-Methyl N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine, Asp-phe-ome, 3-Amino-N-(alpha-methoxycarbonylphenethyl) succinamic acid, 3-Amino-N-(α-carboxyphenethyl)succinamic acid N-methyl ester
Aspartame was classified by IARC in 2023 as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B), based on limited evidence for hepatocellular carcinoma. JECFA simultaneously reaffirmed the ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day, and FDA continues to consider it safe.
What it is
Synthetic high-intensity sweetener (~200x sweeter than sucrose) composed of L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester.
Non-nutritive sweetener used in diet beverages, sugar-free gums, and tabletop sweeteners.
Why it's flagged
- IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic)
- contraindicated for phenylketonuria (PKU) — mandatory label warning
- ongoing scientific debate about long-term effects
What regulators actually say
"When aspartame is added to a food for human consumption, the label of the food shall bear the following statement: 'PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE.'"
"IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on limited evidence for cancer in humans (specifically, hepatocellular carcinoma)."
"JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Approved sweetener under 21 CFR 172.804; mandatory PKU warning required.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E951; ADI 40 mg/kg bw/day (EFSA 2013, JECFA reaffirmed 2023).
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