

Despite its widespread use, aspartame has been the subject of extensive debate concerning its safety. Regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), have deemed aspartame safe for human consumption when consumed within established daily intake levels. The FDA has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
In addition to its antimicrobial properties, potassium metabisulfite also acts as an antioxidant. It helps to prevent oxidation, a process that can alter the color, taste, and nutritional value of food products. For example, when fruits are cut and exposed to air, they tend to brown due to enzymatic oxidation. Adding potassium metabisulfite can slow down this process, keeping fruits looking fresh and appealing for longer. This is particularly beneficial in the production of dried fruits, where appearance plays a crucial role in marketability.