In a world where we have immediate access to all kinds of information, the source of that information may not always be credible.  That has too often been the case when it comes to low-calorie sweeteners.  Sensational media coverage, Internet myths, email chains from friends or family members – you’ve probably read, heard or seen something negative (Many of those stories aren't true.) in one of these mediums, if not all, about aspartame or another low-calorie sweetener used in many of the foods and beverages available today.

So today we thought we’d try to clear things up a bit – especially when it comes to aspartame – by sharing some breaking news that you should hear (but may not since good news doesn’t always receive wide attention).

Earlier today, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a press release noting that it had completed a full risk assessment on aspartame and concluded something we’ve been sharing with our readers for several years now based on the science:  it is safe. So how did they come to that conclusion?  An expert panel conducted a “rigorous review of all available scientific research on aspartame ” and found that it is “safe for human consumption at current levels of exposure.”

Commenting on the assessment in the EFSA press release, Dr. Alicja Mortenson, chair of EFSA’s Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources (ANS), stated, “This opinion represents one of the most comprehensive risk assessments of aspartame ever undertaken. It’s a step forward in strengthening consumer confidence in the scientific underpinning of .... the regulation of food additives.”

We’ve often shared that low- and no-calorie sweeteners have been proven to be safe and are an effective tool for weight management, all based on decades of scientific research as well as the support of regulatory agencies around the globe. This breaking news is just one more piece of evidence to support that position.

You can read our statement on the EFSA opinion by clicking here.  And if you’d like to learn a little more about this topic, you can read this FoodNavigator.com article or, for more detail, check out the complete EFSA opinion.