Artificial sweeteners offer potential health benefits such as aiding in weight management and blood sugar control for diabetics. Yet concerns have been raised about their long-term health effects, such as metabolic disorders and changes in taste preferences. Health Ministry Food Safety and Quality Division senior director Norrani Eksan said aspartame is a food additive that has been approved for use in Malaysia as a sweetener or flavour enhancer since the Food Regulations (FR) 1985 came into force. She said other than aspartame, there are artificial sweeteners that are used in the food industry. Currently, more than 1,000 food and beverage products contain artificial sweeteners. (Pic) Norrani said more than 1,000 food and beverage products contain artificial sweeteners (unrelated illustration pic). SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN THESUN
