Neotame was recently found to have no impact on appetite. But within weeks, researchers have deemed the same artificial sweetener capable of damaging the human intestine and causing illness.
This is the question posed by researchers, who also wanted to find out whether swapping out sugar for artificial and natural sweeteners reduces blood sugar levels.
The NutraSweet Company's sales of high intensity sweetener neotame grew by 20 per cent between 2009 and 2010 – and the same percentage is expected this year as sugar prices are expected to keep rising due to short supplies.
NutraSweet is positioning its neotame sweetener as a better-tasting alternative to saccharine, and expects it to compete with the world’s most used sweetener on cost.
NutraSweet’s zero calorie sweetener neotame will be permitted for use in the EU from next Tuesday, following official authorisation by the European Commission.
Neotame has moved a step closer to being approved for use in the
European Union as a sweetener and flavour enhancer, following a
positive safety opinion from EFSA.
We reported on Wednesday that sales of the sweetener neotame had
increased four-fold during the last 12 months. Philippa Nuttall
spoke to NutraSweet's CEO to find out the reasons for this success.