EFSA concludes the salt of aspartame-acesulfame (E 962) is safe at current exposure levels

EFSA has completed the re-evaluation of the food additive salt of aspartame-acesulfame (E 962) and concluded that its use does not raise safety concerns. 

Salt of aspartame-acesulfame is a sweetener authorised for use in a variety of sugar-free and energy-reduced foods and beverages. Once ingested, it dissociates into its individual components aspartame and acesulfame. 

The Panel found no safety concerns associated with the currently reported uses and use levels of acesulfame K (E 950), aspartame (E 951) and the salt of aspartame-acesulfame E 962. 

This conclusion is based on the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame of 40 mg/kg body weight per day, now reconfirmed, and on the recently revised ADI for acesulfame K of 15 mg/kg body weight per day. Current exposure estimates across all age groups remain below these ADIs.

Experts recommend updating the EU specifications for E 962 to ensure compliance with the specifications for aspartame and acesulfame K used in its production. 

In line with the approach applied to other re-evaluated sweeteners, they also recommend reviewing the limits for arsenic and lead in the specifications for aspartame (E 951).

Background 

The scientific opinion was adopted in July 2026 during an open plenary meeting of EFSA's Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), allowing observers to witness the Panel’s collective decision-making process. 

The assessment followed the protocol for the assessment of hazard identification and characterisation of sweeteners, which was published for public consultation in 2019, and the protocol for assessing exposure to sweeteners, which was published for public consultation in 2020.