Review and synthesis of data on the potential environmental impact of artificial sweeteners

Abstract

EFSA is implementing evidence-based risk assessments for the re-evaluation of certain sweeteners. The aim of this work was to ensure that, as part of the preparatory work done by EFSA to support its Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) in reaching conclusions on the safety of permitted food additives, relevant information on the environmental risks associated with the use of the artificial sweeteners are identified. In the context of this re-evaluation process the following substances used as sweeteners were considered: acesulfame-K (E 950), salt of aspartame-acesulfame (E 962), sucralose (E 955), saccharins (E 954), thaumatin (E 957), neohesperidine DC (E 959), neotame (E 961), cyclamates (E 952) and the polyol sweeteners (sorbitols (E 420); mannitol (E 421); isomalt (E 953); maltitols (E 965); lactitol (E 966); xylitol (E 967) and erythritol (E 968)). Data was collated using a systematic review approach. Generally, the data identified was extremely limited particularly with respect to neohesperidine DC, neotame, thaumatin and the polyol sweeteners. However, there was also limited evidence to suggest their widespread occurrence in the environment. With respect to acesulfame-K, sucralose, cyclamates and saccharin multiple studies were identified that demonstrate the widespread distribution of these sweeteners in surface waters, groundwaters, coastal and marine waters. There are also studies showing their presence in drinking (tap) water supplies, rainwater and in atmospheric samples. However, these sweeteners do not appear to be highly toxic to aquatic species, at least not at environmental concentrations currently seen. The salt of aspartame-acesulfame easily dissociates into its two component sweeteners in the human body and the environment and so the review process also considered aspartame despite it not being a specific focus of the regulatory review process. Whilst there is some evidence to suggest aspartame is toxic to aquatic species it is not detected at levels of concern in the environment.