Food Ingredient Resources

 

• European Food Safety Authority Releases Draft Scientific Opinion on Aspartame and Requests Public Comment | 1/9/2013

  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) launched a public consultation on its draft scientific opinion on the safety of the low-calorie sweetener aspartame. EFSA's scientific experts have drawn upon all available information on aspartame and its breakdown products and, following a detailed and methodical analysis, concluded in this draft opinion that aspartame poses no toxicity concern for consumers at current levels of exposure. more »

• Videos Give the Real Scoop on Low-Calorie Sweeteners | 10/24/2012

  Low-calorie sweeteners (also sometimes referred to as artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes)provide consumers with a broad selection of safe, low-calorie, good-tasting foods, and offer a sweet alternative for people with diabetes (as well as those with a sweet tooth). They can also play a role in a weight management plan that incorporates healthful food choices and regular exercise. more »

• Sweet Taste, Without The Calories | 9/13/2012

  Trying to cut back on calories or carbohydrates (carbs) but like foods that taste sweet? Try non-nutritive sweeteners! They are commonly called sugar substitutes, no-calorie sweeteners, sugar replacements, artificial sweeteners or are referred to by their package color: pink, blue or yellow. more »

• Food Safety: We're All in This Together | 9/6/2012

  Our Food and Health Survey indicates that while some Americans recognize that ensuring the safety of the US food supply is a shared responsibility across government, farmers/producers, the food/beverage industry, retailers and consumers; we recognize the opportunity to better understand the roles each of these entities play, as well as what consumers can do to ensure the food they provide their families is safe. We all have a role in ensuring that the US food supply is safe. more »

• Everything You Need to Know About Stevia Sweeteners | 8/27/2012

  Many people may think they have to give up sweets in order to lose or maintain their weight. However, low-calorie sweeteners such as stevia sweeteners offer a way to reduce calories in sweet tasting foods and beverages, which may help you manage your weight. They also offer a way for people with diabetes to decrease overall carbohydrate intake. more »

• What’s in Our Food: Understanding Common Food Ingredients | 8/22/2012

  Do long, scary-sounding ingredient names on food labels make you wonder what’s in your food and why? This resource provides the answers! Food ingredients, such as those found in the ingredient list on food labels, serve specific functions in our food supply. They may not always be obvious, but they are nevertheless important. more »

• Questions and Answers about Caramel Coloring and 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI or 4-MI) | 6/26/2012

  The compound 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI or 4-MI) is a byproduct formed in certain foods and beverages during the normal heating and browning process and possibly as a byproduct of fermentation. It is a naturally occurring compound in caramel coloring and roasted and cooked foods. 4-MEI is not added to food. more »

• Expert Perspectives on Low-Calorie Sweeteners and Weight | 1/11/2012

  Low-calorie sweeteners (sometimes referred to as non-nutritive sweeteners, artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes) are ingredients added to food to provide sweetness without adding a significant amount of calories. Low-calorie sweeteners have been the subject of extensive scientific research looking at a variety of health conditions, including weight. more »

• Everything You Need to Know About Aspartame | 1/11/2012

  Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener used in foods and beverages in more than 100 countries around the world. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. The calories in foods can be substantially reduced, and in some products eliminated, by using aspartame in place of sugar. more »

• Hot Topic: Food Colors | 12/12/2011

  The following resources provide science-based information regarding common questions about food colors, such as what they are and common foods containing them, how they are regulated in the United States, and whether they cause hyperactivity in children. more »