sweetener INS 950

Acesulfame K E950

artificial — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Potassium 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide

CAS: 55589-62-3

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Acesulfame K is also used in cosmetics, medicine. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~13 cans of diet soda (355ml) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Acesulfame K is fully synthetic — it doesn't exist in nature and is manufactured entirely through chemical processes.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

Maximum levels typically quantum satis or up to 2000 mg/kg

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved Approved food additive

Approved since 1988

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–15 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

9 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~13 of cans of diet soda (355ml)

~40mg per serving

~27 of packets of tabletop sweetener

~20mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Synthesized from acetoacetic acid derivatives through cyclization and reaction with potassium hydroxide.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in toothpaste and mouthwash.

Medical

Used to sweeten pharmaceutical preparations and chewable tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acesulfame K (E950)?

Acesulfame K (E950) is a sweetener used in food products. It is artificial and synthetic. A synthetic calorie-free sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose.

What is the ADI for Acesulfame K?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Acesulfame K is 0–15 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Acesulfame K?

Acesulfame K is used in various food categories including Other non-alcoholic beverages, Other confectionery. It is used as a sweetener in these products.

Is Acesulfame K the same as Acesulfame potassium?

Yes, Acesulfame K is also known as Acesulfame potassium, Ace-K, E950. These are different names for the same substance.