# Food safety evaluations of additives and meats

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/food-safety-evaluations-of-additives-and-meats
> Updated: 2026-09-10T11:01:01.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Health experts and advocacy groups have raised concerns regarding the safety of processed meats and the sweetener aspartame. Regarding processed meats, experts noted that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Group 1 classification indicates a proven link to increased risks, such as colorectal cancer, particularly through the habitual intake of nitrites and nitrosamines.

In response to the World Health Organization’s 2023 classification of aspartame as a possible human carcinogen, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a scientific evaluation. The EFSA subsequently completed a re-evaluation of the aspartame-acesulfame salt (E 962), concluding that its use does not pose safety concerns for human consumption. The findings established that current exposure levels remain below the acceptable daily intakes for both aspartame and acesulfame K.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: EFSA confirms safety of aspartame-acesulfame salt sweetener

The European Food Safety Authority has confirmed that the sweetener aspartame-acesulfame salt (E 962) is safe for consumption, with exposure levels remaining below established daily limits.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/efsa-confirms-safety-of-aspartame-acesulfame-salt-sweetener

### 2026-08-26: Food safety experts address risks of processed meats and aspartame

Health experts discuss the risks of processed meats and await a crucial EFSA scientific evaluation regarding the safety and recommended doses of the sweetener aspartame.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/food-safety-experts-address-risks-of-processed-meats-and-aspartame

---
Cite as: Food safety evaluations of additives and meats. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/food-safety-evaluations-of-additives-and-meats