The United Kingdom’s Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) recently released its position paper on a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study of aspartame, noting that it did not “indicate any need for action to protect the health of the public.”  The study – commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the UK’s regulatory agency on food safety – compared 50 people who had reported adverse effects after consuming food containing aspartame and a control group of the same number who consumed aspartame with no effect. According to the Daily Mail, COT’s position is that the study did not find evidence of harm in either group.

If you are a frequent reader of Sip & Savor, this study’s conclusion should come as no surprise. Aspartame is safe, a fact supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Aspartame is one of the most studied ingredients of all time, with more than 200 scientific studies confirming its safety.  In addition, it is one of many low-calorie sweeteners that help consumers enjoy their favorite beverages while reducing overall calories.

To learn more about aspartame and other low- and no-calorie sweeteners used in our industry’s beverages (and many other foods and beverages), please visit ww.letsclearitup.org.