Sweetener · EU 950
Acesulfame K
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Acesulfame K is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #100 of 417.
- #100 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Acesulfame K is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #100 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (76th percentile).
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- #100 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Acesulfame K: 248 tracked U.S. products (common band, #100 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 248 · #100 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 950 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Sweetener | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Acesulfame K?
Acesulfame K is a food additive (950) classified as sweetener.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Safety of the proposed extension of use of acesulfame K -E 950- in foods for special medical purposes in young children. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (248 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 248
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acesulfame K safe to consume?
Acesulfame K scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (248 tracked products, #100 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Acesulfame K used for in food?
Acesulfame K shows up as Beverages, confectionery, baked goods in the Sweetener class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (248 products).
Where does Acesulfame K sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #100 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What health concerns are associated with Acesulfame K?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Acesulfame K: EFSA evaluation: Safety of the proposed extension of use of acesulfame K -E 950- in foods for special medical purposes in young children. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.