FDA Allows Use of High-Intensity Sweetener Advantame as Food Additive

The Food and Drug Administration will allow use of the high-intensity sweetener advantame as a food additive, except in meat and poultry, it said in a final rule that takes effect May 21. The free-flowing, water soluble, white crystalline powder can now be used as a general-purpose sweetener and flavor enhancer in baked goods, non-alcoholic beverages (including soft drinks), chewing gum, confections and frostings, frozen desserts, gelatins and puddings, jams and jellies, processed fruits and fruit juices, toppings and syrups, it said. FDA says it evaluated a variety of animal and human studies, and found the additive to be safe. Advantame is the sixth high-intensity sweetener approved by FDA, it said in a concurrent constituent update (here). Objections and requests for a hearing on the final rule are due June 20.