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<p>We are advised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that all food additives, including
sweeteners, are only permitted after a robust evaluation of their safety. The foods
in which the sweeteners can be used and their conditions of use are regulated under
harmonised European Union legislation on food additives.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The
results of an FSA funded study on aspartame were published in March 2015. The study
was designed to examine whether self-diagnosed individuals exhibit any reactions which
can be observed in a clinical setting, after consuming bars that do or do not contain
aspartame. Participants showed no difference in their response whether they contained
aspartame or not.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>As part of its systematic re-evaluation
of all food additives, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated the
safety of aspartame and concluded in December 2013 that 'aspartame and its breakdown
products are safe for human consumption at current levels of exposure'. In undertaking
their re-evaluation EFSA had access to all available, relevant scientific studies
and data on aspartame.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Officials in the FSA have regular
discussions with industry, and other interested parties, on a range of issues. Since
EFSA reaffirmed the safety on the current use of aspartame, these have not routinely
included discussions on aspartame or other sweeteners.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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