Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 3

Written Answers - Food Additives.

David Stanton

Question:

115 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to research into the possible health side effects of the food additive aspartame; if he will give details of this research and its findings; if his attention has further been drawn to any countries which have banned the use of this food additive; if so, if he will list them; if he is satisfied that aspartame is safe for human consumption; if he will reassure the public regarding any possible side effects; the action he intends to take regarding aspartame; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12672/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

In Ireland, the use of sweeteners in foodstuffs is regulated by the European Communities (Additives, Colours and Sweeteners in Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 437 of 2000). These regulations give effect to, inter alia, Directive 94/35/EC on sweeteners for use in foodstuffs as amended by Directive 96/83/EC. These directives lay down a positive list of sweeteners that may be used in foodstuffs, the foods in which they may be used and the levels at which they may be used.