Purity and Content of a Sweetener, Acesulfame Potassium, and Their Test Methods

摘要

Acesulfame potassium (acesulfame K), a sweetener, is permitted for use as a food additive in many countries. The Japanese government has received an application for approval for the use of acesulfame K. We reviewed the test methods for the specifications of acesulfame K specified by JECFA and/or in FCC prior to authorization. Most of the methods specified by JECFA and/or in FCC could be used without any change, except for the determinations of pH and fluoride. The calibration curve method for the determination of fluoride content by JECFA should be changed to a limit test method. All results obtained, except pH, were in conformity with the specifications for description, identification (A maximum and formation of precipitate), purity (fluoride, UV- absorbing impurity, and loss on drying), and content by JECFA and/or in FCC. The pH values of the test solutions of four samples provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare were between 5.75 and 5.83 when determined according to the General Tests in the Japanese Standards for Food Additives, 7th edition, but were between 6.71 and 6.99 when decarbonated water was used for the preparation of the test solution. They met the requirements of the FCC specification (pH 6.5--7.5). The contents of acesulfame K in the samples were between 99.6/100 and 100.3/100.