Sucralose

What this is

Sucralose is one of the major high-intensity sweeteners used to replace sugar while keeping sweetness. FDA allows it as a general-purpose sweetener under GMP, and JECFA and EFSA have established ADIs of 0–15 and 15 mg/kg bw/day, respectively; FDA’s ADI is 5 mg/kg bw/day. In 2026 EFSA re-evaluated E955 and concluded current EU uses remain below the ADI and do not present a safety concern, while noting uncertainty for expanded fine-bakery uses and home high-temperature baking or frying where chlorinated degradation products could form. A 2023 in vitro study of sucralose-6-acetate reported genotoxic and intestinal-barrier signals, which keeps the concern from being “Low” here; regulators have not translated that into a broad ban. WHO’s 2023 non-sugar sweetener guideline is about weight-control and public-health policy, not a toxicological reassessment or replacement for JECFA/ADI limits.

Safety Review

The health areas reviewed when evaluating an ingredient. This does not mean the ingredient is proven to cause harm.

EFSA found no genotoxicity concern for sucralose at current EU uses, but could not confirm some expanded or high-temperature uses because chlorinated degradation products may form. The packet also cites a 2023 in vitro study of sucralose-6-acetate reporting genotoxic and intestinal-barrier signals; regulators have not translated that into a broad ban.