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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 2

Written Answers. - Food Additives.

Richard Bruton

Question:

234 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed regarding the level of usage of aspartame in food products; and if he has satisfied himself that there are adequate arrangements to control its growing use in food preparations. [21779/02]

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.

Aspartame been authorised for use after a careful and thorough evaluation, including rigorous safety assessments by the European Union's Scientific Committee on Food and other regulatory bodies like the UK Food Standards Agency and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The safety of aspartame has been extensively studied over the years and expert opinion is that aspartame is safe for use.
As with all food additives, the files on aspartame remain open and any new relevant scientific or medical data will be examined. A number of reports which claim to cast doubt on the safety of this sweetener, are circulating. However, most of the data to substantiate these claims are anecdotal and no reliable scientific evidence is available to show that aspartame might be responsible. However, if such evidence becomes available action will be taken.
I am satisfied that there are adequate arrangements to review and control the use of this additive. The matter will continue to be kept under review.
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