E950

Sweetener
Acesulfame K has been an approved sweetener since 1988, and yet most people are not even aware that this is an artificial sweetener being used in their food and beverages. It is listed in the ingredients on the food label as acesulfame K, acesulfame potassium, Ace-K, or Sunett. It is 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) and is often used as a flavour enhancer or to preserve the sweetness of sweet foods. The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of up to 15 mg/kg of body weight/day.

As with other artificial sweeteners, there is concern over the safety of acesulfame K. However, the US FDA has approved their general use. Critics say acesulfame K has not been studied adequately and may be carcinogenic, although these claims have been dismissed by the US FDA and by equivalent authorities in the European Union.