EFSA last night confirmed that it has accepted the mandate to bring forward the re-evaluation of aspartame from 2020 to 2012, “stipulating the need for a public call for new data as well as a thorough literature review”. Details of the public call for data will be published on EFSA’s website in the coming weeks. The authority will liaise closely with the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) on its nutritional risk/benefit assessment of sweeteners.

In a statement as EFSA’s confirmation came through, Ajinomoto displayed its confidence in the ingredient. “EFSA reaffirmed the safety of aspartame in 2006, 2009 and 2010. In addition,recent allegations about the safety of aspartame made in France and by a handful of MEPs have already been dismissed by EFSA,” said Ajinomoto in a statement. “This review of the extensive body of science on aspartame will provide additional confirmation of the ingredient's safety.”

A spokesperson for John Dalli, Commissioner for Health and Consumers, said there are several reasons for bringing forward the review with a 13-month deadline. Firstly, he said “there have been concerns lately and questions from MEPs”. At the second reading of the proposed food information regulation last month MEPs voted for a mandatory warning label on products about aspartame consumption in pregnancy.