Approvals

Before being authorised for use in food and drinks, all low-calorie sweeteners come under rigorous scrutiny of national and international scientific expert committees. These independent bodies include the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) at international level, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) at European level, as well as national food safety agencies. They are responsible for evaluating the safety of low-calorie sweeteners that have been petitioned for use in a given market. The careful and detailed approval procedure for these products, and the extensive testing done to obtain and maintain approval, have ensured that sweeteners are among the most thoroughly tested food ingredients in use today.

Sponsors can only apply or petition for approval of a sweetener after extensive safety tests have been completed and the sponsor itself is convinced of the product's safety and utility. The petition provides technical details about the product and comprehensive data obtained in safety studies.

This safety data is then examined by EFSA. The independence of EFSA is crucial, to regulators, decision makers, industry and consumers alike. At any time, questions raised by EFSA must be answered by the sponsors. Sometimes this may require additional studies. Obtaining approval is often a very lengthy process. Completing and analysing the safety studies may take from seven to fifteen years and the cost are carried fully by the petitioner.

Following the publication of a positive scientific opinion from EFSA, the European Commission drafts a proposal for authorisation of use of the sweetener in foods and drinks on the European market. After consultation with Member State authorities in the Council and the European Parliament and only if the regulators are fully satisfied that the product is safe will approval be given. In the case of low-calorie sweeteners currently on the EU market, this means that they are thoroughly safe for human consumption.

Low-calorie sweeteners like all approved ingredients remain under continuous evaluation. It is EU policy that: "All food additives must be kept under continuous observation and must be re-evaluated whenever necessary in the light of changing conditions of use and new scientific evidence." EFSA, as an independent scientific body, is responsible for any re-evaluation that might be required.