Disclaimer: This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and may change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
Aspartame
E951 | INS 951
Names & Identifiers
- E Number
- E951
- INS Number
- 951
- CAS Number
- 22839-47-0
- Scientific Name
- N-(L-α-Aspartyl)-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester
- Japanese Name
- アスパルテーム
- Also Known As
- NutraSweet, Equal, APM
Regulation Status by Country
European Union
Status: approved | Max level: varies by food category mg/kg
Must carry warning for phenylketonuria (PKU) patients; under re-evaluation following IARC classification
View EFSA Opinion →United States
Status: approved | Approved food additive
Products must carry PKU warning; approved since 1981
Japan
Status: approved | Category: 指定添加物
Must carry PKU warning
Australia / New Zealand
Status: approved | Code: 951
Must carry PKU warning
Canada
Status: approved
Must carry PKU warning
What is Aspartame?
Classification
Function: sweetener
Type: artificial
Source: synthetic
How It's Made
Method: chemical synthesis or enzymatic
Synthesized by coupling aspartic acid with phenylalanine methyl ester, or produced using enzymatic methods.
Uses Beyond Food
- Pharmaceutical: Used in chewable tablets, liquid medicines, and vitamin supplements.
- Household: Sold as table-top sweetener (Equal, NutraSweet)
Commonly Found In
Aspartame is typically used in:
Note: This list shows typical product categories and may vary by brand and region. Always check product labels for actual ingredients.
Safety Evaluations (Official)
ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake (mg per kg of body weight per day)
ADI in Everyday Terms
For a 60 kg adult, the JECFA ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day equals approximately 2400 mg per day.
This is roughly equivalent to:
- ~13 cans of diet soda (355ml) (typical: ~180 mg per serving)
- ~68 packets of tabletop sweetener (Equal, NutraSweet) (typical: ~35 mg per serving)
Research & Official Documents
Official evaluations and scientific research:
Search research databases:
Regulatory History
View Full Timeline →Key regulatory events and safety evaluations over time.
Aspartame discovered accidentally by chemist James M. Schlatter while developing anti-ulcer drug.
FDA initially approved aspartame for limited uses, but approval was stayed pending further review.
FDA approved aspartame for dry goods and tabletop sweetener use.
FDA approved aspartame for use in carbonated beverages.
FDA approved aspartame as a general purpose sweetener for all foods and beverages.
EFSA Scientific Committee on Food confirmed safety and ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day.
EFSA completed comprehensive risk assessment, concluded aspartame and its breakdown products are safe at current exposure levels. Confirmed ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day.
IARC classified aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B) based on limited evidence.
JECFA (meeting same month as IARC) reaffirmed ADI of 0-40 mg/kg bw/day, concluded no reason to change previously established safe intake levels.
WHO and EFSA clarified that aspartame remains safe at current exposure levels despite IARC Group 2B classification. IARC identifies hazard, not risk at typical consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aspartame (E951)?
Aspartame (E951) is a sweetener used in food products. It is artificial and synthetic. A synthetic low-calorie sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. Composed of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine.
What is the ADI for Aspartame?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Aspartame is 0–40 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
What foods contain Aspartame?
Aspartame is used in various food categories including Other non-alcoholic beverages, Other confectionery. It is used as a sweetener in these products.
Is Aspartame the same as NutraSweet?
Yes, Aspartame is also known as NutraSweet, Equal, APM. These are different names for the same substance.
Related Additives
Other sweeteners in our database: