In Ireland, the use of sweeteners in foodstuffs is controlled by the European Communities (Additives, Colours and Sweeteners in Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2000. These implement European Council Directive 94/35/EC and amending directive 96/83/EC, which harmonise controls on the use of sweeteners throughout the European Union.
All new additives must go through an exhaustive safety assessment process before authorisation. The manufacturer of a potential new additive must produce evidence that there is a real need for the substance, and must commission research into that substance. The research must include toxicological tests, to determine whether a substance is harmful, and tests to assess the mutagenic potential of the compound, that is the ability to interfere with genetic material in the body. If there were any doubts about the safety of an additive, that substance would not be authorised for use.