Sweetener approved in Europe

The European Commission has approved Ajinomoto’s low calorie sweetener, Advantame.

In the words of the Commission Regulation, Advantame “will provide manufacturers with greater flexibility in formulating energy- reduced foods with a similar taste profile as the full-caloric equivalent.”

A spokesperson for Ajinomoto says, “We welcome the approval of Advantame by the European Commission. Advantame blends well with sugar and other caloric sweeteners, providing food and beverage companies with an opportunity both to reduce calories and to manage sweetening costs…The need to address the over-consumption of calories is self-evident, not just in Europe, but throughout the developed world. With the approval of Advantame, we can provide a unique, value-added ingredient to food and beverage companies.”

Advartame is approved for general use as a sweetener in foods and beverages by the US Food and Drug Administration, and is also FEMA GRAS approved in the United States for use in frozen dairy applications, milk products, beverages and chewing gums.