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Public Hearing on Aspartame: Europe’s food and drink manufacturers’ perspective. European Parliament 16 March 2011. The EU food and drink industry at a glance. Source: CIAA data and trends of the EU food and drink industry 2009
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Public Hearing on Aspartame:Europe’s food and drink manufacturers’ perspective European Parliament 16 March 2011
The EU food and drink industry at a glance Source: CIAA data and trends of the EU food and drink industry 2009 http://www.ciaa.eu/documents/brochures/ciaa-data%20trend-updated.pdf Footer text
Aspartame • Aspartame has been authorised for use in foods for over 20 years in many countries throughout the world following thorough safety evaluations. • In the EU, aspartame was approved in 1994. Since then it has been re-evaluated and re-approved in 2002, 2006 and 2009 by the SCF and EFSA. • EFSA has concluded that, based on all scientific evidence, aspartame remains safe for human consumption and there is no scientific basis for reconsidering its use in foods.
Aspartame in food • Following its thorough evaluation and assessment, aspartame was authorised in accordance with “Commission Directive 94/36/EC on sweeteners for use in foodstuffs”. • The legislation defines the maximum concentration of aspartame in specific “energy reduced” or “without added sugar” food and drinks products and as a table-top sweetener. It is not used in any other products.
Consumer choice • Aspartame’s authorisation has enabled the EU food and drink industry to innovate, responding to consumer demands and increasing consumer choice, offering safe “energy reduced” or “without added sugar” food and drink products in addition to traditional counterpart products. Ultimately, the food and drink industry is committed to providing consumers with choice
Consumer information • Like all food additives, following its authorisation aspartame has been assigned an “e-number” – E951. • Aspartame’s presence is labelled twice, if not three times, on all food and drink products where it is used: Labelled in the list of ingredients + “Contains a source of phenylalanine” + Indication “with sweetener” together with legal denomination of the product This provides consumers with the information necessary to make informed choices