Aspartame

Methyl ester of the dipeptide L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine.

High-intensity sweetener in soft drinks, chewing gum, and tabletop sweeteners.

Broken down to aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. Provides sweetness without sugar calories.

Must be avoided by people with phenylketonuria (PKU) — mandatory EU labelling. EFSA 2013 review found no safety concern at ADI including vulnerable groups.

Permitted with mandatory 'contains a source of phenylalanine' labelling.

Aspartame is a permitted high-intensity sweetener in the U.S. regulated under 21 CFR 172.804. FDA requires foods containing aspartame to state that they contain phenylalanine, protecting people with phenylketonuria (PKU). FDA continues to consider aspartame safe at approved use levels despite ongoing international reviews.

Category-specific maximum levels in Annex II Part E.

0–40 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA, 2013).