Sweetener
Also known as: bulk sweetener, intense sweetener, natural sweetener
An undisclosed 'sweetener' designation does not allow safety assessment - the same term covers GRAS sugars, sugar alcohols (which can cause GI distress at high doses), and high-intensity sweeteners with their own ADI limits. The proper response is to look at the specific named sweetener; absent that, the umbrella term itself warrants caution.
What it is
Generic umbrella term that does not identify the specific substance. Could be a nutritive sugar (sucrose, HFCS, glucose), a sugar alcohol (polyol), or a high-intensity sweetener (aspartame, sucralose, stevia, ace-K).
Provides sweet taste; may add bulk and texture if nutritive.
What regulators actually say
"Sweeteners added to foods are sometimes referred to as either 'nutritive' or 'non-nutritive.'... All ingredients must be listed on the food label by their common or usual name."
"Ingredients must be listed by their common or usual name."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Specific identity required for safety assessment; FDA requires sweetener identification on the ingredient label.
European Union — EFSA
Specific E-numbers required (E950-E969 for high-intensity sweeteners).
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