The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an independent agency based in Parma, Italy, has concluded that the sweetener aspartame-acesulfame salt (E 962) is safe for use in food and beverages. This assessment, published on September 10, states that the additive does not pose health risks when used according to current regulations. The sweetener is commonly found in sugar-free or low-calorie products such as sodas, yogurts, and chewing gum. Once consumed, it breaks down into two other sweeteners: aspartame (E 951) and acesulfame K (E 950). EFSA's expert group reviewed the safety of all three substances and found no concerns regarding their use at current levels. According to EFSA, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame remains at 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. For acesulfame K, the ADI has been updated to 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. Current estimates of exposure for all age groups in Europe are well below these limits, according to the agency. EFSA also recommended that EU regulations for E 962 be updated to match the specifications for the individual sweeteners it is composed of, to ensure consistency in safety standards. Despite EFSA's findings, several consumer and health advocacy groups have strongly criticized the conclusion. Organizations such as FoodWatch, Yuka, and the League against Cancer have called the EFSA report "scandalous," arguing that recent independent studies have identified potential health risks. These groups point to a 2023 classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), which labeled aspartame as "potentially carcinogenic to humans." This classification was based on a thorough review of publicly available scientific literature. In response to these concerns, more than 400,000 people in Europe have signed a petition calling for a preventive ban on aspartame within the EU. The NGOs argue that the health risks identified by independent research should be taken into account, even if EFSA has not found them to be significant. The debate over the safety of artificial sweeteners continues, with differing conclusions between regulatory agencies and independent scientific bodies.