Aspartame

Also known as: NutraSweet, Equal, APM

Artificial sweetener · E951

Regulatory Status

United States (FDA)

Approved

FDA-approved since 1981. One of the most studied food additives in history.

European Union (EFSA)

Approved

Approved in EU. EFSA set ADI at 40 mg/kg body weight/day.

Safety Profile

Both FDA and EFSA consider it safe at current intake levels. IARC's 2023 "possibly carcinogenic" classification generated controversy but did not change regulatory status in either region.

Health Concerns

  • • WHO/IARC classified as "possibly carcinogenic" (Group 2B) in July 2023
  • • Phenylketonuria (PKU) patients must avoid it
  • • Headache reports in sensitive individuals

Commonly Found In

Diet sodasSugar-free gumLow-calorie foodsTabletop sweeteners

Sources: FDA Substances Added to Food, EFSA opinions, EU Regulation 1333/2008, IARC monographs

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.