EFSA: Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive
The present opinion deals with the re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as a food additive. Acesulfame K (E 950) is the chemically manufactured compound 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazin-4(3H)-one-2,2-dioxide potassium salt. It is authorised for use in the European Union (EU) in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The assessment involved a comprehensive review of existing authorisations, evaluations and new scientific data.
Acesulfame K (E 950) was found to be stable under various conditions; at pH lower than 3 with increasing temperatures, it is degraded to a certain amount. Based on the available data, no safety concerns arise for genotoxicity of acesulfame K (E 950) and its degradation products.