EFSA Updates Safe Threshold for Sweetener Erythritol

EFSA has reassessed the safety of erythritol (E 968), a sugar alcohol (polyol) used as a sweetener in a variety of food and beverages, as part of an ongoing safety review of all food additives approved for use before 20 January 2009. The European Commision also asked EFSA to consider exempting erythritol from the laxative warning label requirement for foods with more than 10% added polyols.

EFSA’s scientific experts established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.5 grams of erythritol per kilogram of body weight per day as protection from the immediate laxative effect of erythritol but also from any potential adverse long-term effects, secondary to diarrhoea, such as electrolyte imbalance.

Acute and chronic exposure to erythritol is estimated to be above the newly set ADI. People with a high intake of erythritol may experience adverse effects after either single or repeated exposure.

Current evidence does not show a connection between consuming foods containing erythritol and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and related risk factors. Nevertheless, further research could be helpful to clarify the nature of the association found in some observational studies.

EFSA concluded the warning ’excessive consumption may produce laxative effects’ is still valid.

The European Commission and national authorities will discuss appropriate regulatory measures to follow up on EFSA’s advice.