What is Acesulfame K (E950)?

What does it do?

Provides sweetness in place of sugar (usually calorie-free) or adds surface gloss.

Is it harmful? Risk context

There is limited evidence, or caution is warranted under specific conditions. Its presence alone does not mean "danger"; at ordinary amounts no problem is reported for most people. NeBu treats it as a moderate signal and presents it with the context below.

Containing an additive is not the same as being harmed by the product. A hazard is a substance’s theoretical potential to cause harm; risk depends on the actual amount you are exposed to. Rather than stamping additives with fear-based labels, NeBu explains them with sourced information — and leaves the decision to you.

Regulatory status

• EFSA is re-evaluating this substance (opinion pending). Its status may change — NeBu does not treat it as settled.

Sources

• EFSA — Food additives
• EFSA — Sweeteners: state of play (2024)
• Türk Gıda Kodeksi — Gıda Katkı Maddeleri Yönetmeliği (RG 13.10.2023)