Specimen No. 0195
AvoidSyntheticfood harmful sweeteners
Neotame
E961
Master DB rating: Avoid. Listed for: Processed foods, beverages
medium confidence
Researched July 7, 2026Specimen 0195Neotame
Concerns
- Undergoes de-esterification that releases methanol, which is further metabolized to formaldehyde — the same pathway of concern historically raised for aspartame
- Both FDA's original review and EFSA's 2025 re-evaluation concluded that resulting methanol/formaldehyde exposure at approved intake levels (ADI 10 mg/kg bw/day) is not a safety concern, based on 52-week chronic and 104-week carcinogenicity studies in rats
Regulatory flags
- ⚑IARC Class: NL
- ⚑EDC Status: None
- ⚑Regulatory: US: FDA approved 2002; EFSA re-evaluated 2025, no safety concern found; EU: permitted
- ⚑Evidence Grade: A
Commonly found in
Processed foods, beverages
Sources & references
Last researched: July 7, 2026
Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.
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