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EWG evaluation of food chemicals: Sucralose rcoleman April 15, 2026 David Andrews, Ph.D. Sydney Evans, MPH Dayna de Montagnac, MPH Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D. Jump to: What is sucralose and why is it added to foods? Where is sucralose found in foods? What is the regulatory status of sucralose? Are foods containing sucralose ultra-processed? Is sucralose allowed in organic foods? What are the potential health harms associated with sucralose? Uncertainties/where more research is needed Cited resources April 15, 2026 EWG’s recommendationSucralose is an ingredient of concern. EWG suggests avoiding or limiting consumption of products with this ingredient or using sucralose as a sugar substitute. This recommendation is specific to frequent consumption and non-medical uses.The World Health Organization in 2023 completed a systematic review of 283 studies on the consumption of non-sugar sweeteners and found they provided no long-term weight loss benefit. The review also identified potential harm, including increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults, as well as preterm birth (WHO 2023).There is potential for widespread, repeated exposure, since sucralose is a common sugar substitute, especially in beverages and foods, which are consumed regularly. They are often marketed as “low calorie” or “zero sugar.” (Sylvetsky and Rother 2016, Sylvetsky et al 2012, Grilo et al 2023).Science analysisWhat is sucralose and why is it added to foods?Sucralose, a tabletop sweetener sold under the brand name Splenda, is a non-nutritive, or artificial, sweetener that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It tastes similar to sugar but has zero calories.Where is sucralose found in foods?Sucralose is typically added to sugar-free or “low calorie” diet foods and drinks. Sucralose is present in 5,574, or 3.2%, of the 172,081 foods added to EWG’s Food Scores between 2023 and 2025. Top 15 food and drink categories, organized by supermarket shelf Image Source: EWG’s Food Scores. Label created between January 1, 2023, and October 22, 2025. What is the regulatory status of sucralose?Sucralose is approved for use in foods and beverages in both the U.S. and Europe. The Food and Drug Administration in 1998 established an acceptable daily intake, or ADI, of 5 mg/kg body weight per day. In California, a law was passed with implementation starting in 2029 that targets ultraprocessed food, or UPF, of concern in school meals, and any food with an artificial sweetener is considered a UPF. In Europe, the European Food Safety Authority and the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives have set an ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight per day. In the EU, sucralose is not permitted in food or supplements for infants or young children, with exceptions for food for special medical purposes. In 2026, the EU classified sucralose as a low-concern ingredient but did raise concern about uses where the ingredient was heated, such as in baked goods or fried foods. Are foods containing sucralose ultra-processed?Non-sugar sweeteners are not only commonly used in UPF, they are identified in the NOVA framework as characteristic markers of UPF (Monteiro et al 2019). California’s recent law defining UPF includes any food with “a nonnutritive sweetener” (California Assembly Bill 1264).  Is sucralose allowed in organic foods?No. Under Department of Agriculture organic standards, synthetic substances such as artificial sweeteners are prohibited in certified organic foods.What are the potential health harms associated with sucralose?The WHO completed a systematic review in 2023 finding consumption of non-sugar sweeteners provided no long-term weight benefit but did lead to potential harm, including increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults as well as preterm birth (WHO 2023).EFSA published a re-evaluation of sucralose’s safety in 2026. It said that based on the available evidence, current intake levels were of low concern, except when heated. These heated foods may be a source of chlorinated compounds (EFSA 2026).Recent rodent studies have linked sucralose to disruption of the gut microbiome, weight gain, cardiometabolic disease, and persistence in body fat and breast milk (Zheng et al 2021, Ragi et al 2021, Risdon et al 2021, Bornemann et al 2018, Sylvetsky et al 2015). Evidence also suggests that, because of how it’s broken down in the body, sucralose when ingested can affect satiety – the feeling of fullness – which in turn can lead to overeating (Wang et al. 2016).Uncertainties/where more research is neededHealth effects of long-term regular consumption of sucralose – people who consume sucralose exclusively for long periods of time – focused on pregnant people, children and those with metabolic diseases (Debras et al. 2022, WHO 2023).Health risks from exposure to chlorinated compounds formed from baked/fried goods containing sucralose (EFSA 2026).Health effects of transfer of sucralose to young children through pregnant or breastfeeding parents (Sylvetsky et al. 2017).Cited resourcesGlobal health and regulatory agenciesWorld Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Use of non-sugar sweeteners: WHO guideline. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240073616U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (1999). Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption; Sucralose. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1999-08-12/pdf/99-20888.pdfEuropean Parliament and Council. (2008). Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1333/oj/engUSDA National Organic Program. The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/national-listEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA). (2026). Re-evaluation of sucralose (E 955) as a food additive. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/sweeteners (Current portal)LegislationCalifornia, Legislature, Assembly (2025). Real Food, Healthy Kids Act. California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1264. Comprehensive reviews and frameworksAguayo-Guerrero, J., et al. (2024). Sucralose: From Sweet Success to Metabolic Controversies—Unraveling the Global Health Implications of a Pervasive Non-Caloric Artificial Sweetener. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10971371/Monteiro, C. A., et al. (2019). Ultra-processed foods, diet quality, and health using the NOVA classification system. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/5277b379-0acb-4d97-a6a3-602774104629/contentRisdon, S., et al. (2021). Non-nutritive Sweeteners and Cardiometabolic Health: A Review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33578411/Consumption trends and exposureSylvetsky, A. C., & Rother, K. I. (2016). Trends in the consumption of low-calorie sweeteners. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27039282/Sylvetsky, A. C., et al. (2012). Consumption of Low-Calorie Sweeteners among Children and Adults in the United States. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28087414/Grilo, M. F., et al. (2023). Global intake of non-sugar sweeteners: A systematic review. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/consumption-of-lowcalorie-sweeteners-findings-from-the-campinas-nutrition-and-health-survey/6F97B9417AAE5195F8271BAEEFB9EEACSpecific health-impact studiesSingh, A. S., et al. (2024). Unveiling the profound influence of sucralose on metabolism and its role in shaping obesity trends. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11250074/Wang, Y., et al. (2016). Sucralose Promotes Food Intake through NPY and a Neuronal Fasting Response https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38217520/Zheng, Z., et al. (2022). Impact of sucralose on the gut microbiome. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35284433/Sylvetsky, A. C., et al. (2015). Non-nutritive Sweeteners in Breast Milk.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26267522/Sylvetsky, A. C., et al. (2017). Plasma concentrations of sucralose in children and adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28775393/Debras, C., et al. (2022). Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35324894/Bornemann, V., et al. (2018). Intestinal Metabolism and Bioaccumulation of Sucralose In Adipose Tissue In The Rat. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15287394.2018.1502560  Ragi, S., et al. (2021). The effect of aspartame and sucralose intake on body weight measures and blood metabolites: role of their form (solid and/or liquid) of ingestion. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effect-of-aspartame-and-sucralose-intake-on-body-weight-measures-and-blood-metabolites-role-of-their-form-solid-andor-liquid-of-ingestion/F97EA712AAC19B3D5A8E98BCE78AD22E

EWG evaluation of food chemicals: TBHQ rcoleman April 15, 2026 David Andrews, Ph.D. Sydney Evans, MPH Dayna de Montagnac, MPH Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D. Jump to: What is TBHQ and why is it added to foods? Where is TBHQ found in foods? What is the regulatory status of TBHQ? Are foods containing TBHQ ultra-processed? Is TBHQ allowed in organic foods? What are the potential health harms associated with TBHQ? Uncertainties/where more research is needed Cited resources April 15, 2026 EWG’s recommendationTBHQ is an ingredient of concern, and EWG suggests limiting consumption of foods containing this ingredient. Multiple animal studies have associated TBHQ with immune dysfunction, including evidence suggesting it may decrease the immune system’s ability to fight infections and cancer cells (Boss et al, 2018). TBHQ has also been associated with mechanisms related to cancer development, such as the generation of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage (Ousji & Sleno, 2020). BHA, another food preservative of concern, can be metabolized to TBHQ in the body, although its contribution to overall TBHQ exposure remains unclear. A published peer-reviewed study by EWG found TBHQ may act as an immunotoxin, affecting multiple receptors involved in regulating inflammation and immune responses. (Naidenko et al. (2021).Science analysisWhat is TBHQ and why is it added to foods?TBHQ is a preservative that prevents oxidation, extending the shelf life of fats and oils in processed foods.Where is TBHQ found in foods?TBHQ is typically added to packaged foods like crackers, processed potato products, and baked goods that contain oil. TBHQ is used in 2,730 of the 172,081 foods added to EWG’s Food Scores between 2023 and 2025.Top 15 food and drink categories organized by supermarket shelf Image Source: EWG’s Food Scores. Label created between 2023-01-01 and 2025-10-22.What is the regulatory status of TBHQ?The Food and Drug Administration approved TBHQ for use in food 1972. The European Food Safety Authority approved its use in food in 2004. The international Acceptable Daily Intake, or ADI – confirmed by the European Union and World Health Organization – is 0.7 milligrams/kilogram of body weight per day (EFSA 2016).In 2016, based on an exposure assessment, a statement by EFSA concluded that if TBHQ were added to baby formula, it could exceed the ADI for infants and toddlers in a high consumption scenario (EFSA 2016). TBHQ is not approved for use in infant formula sold in the EU.Are foods containing TBHQ ultra-processed?Yes, TBHQ and other synthetic preservatives are common ingredients in ultra-processed food, or UPF. As an ingredient synthesized in a laboratory, it falls into the NOVA framework as a UPF ingredient (Monteiro et al 2019). While most foods with TBHQ would be classified as ultra-processed, a recent California law defining UPF does not include preservatives such as TBHQ (California Assembly Bill 1264). Is TBHQ allowed in organic foods?No. Under Department of Agriculture organic standards, synthetic substances are prohibited in certified organic foods.What are the potential health harms associated with TBHQ?While TBHQ protects food from spoilage, its breakdown in the body can trigger oxidative stress. TBHQ is shown in some animal studies to cause cells to produce antioxidants, which protects them from oxidative stress by activating Nrf2, a protein. But constant activation of this protein from repeated exposure to TBHQ may do the opposite, causing immune cell dysfunction (Freeborn et al 2019). Rodent studies have linked TBHQ to impaired immune system function and DNA damage. Doses of TBHQ that are relevant to human exposure have been shown in rodents to significantly impair NK cells, which are responsible for killing infected and cancerous cells. They may also affect the immune system's response to influenza and possibly vaccine efficacy (Freeborn et al 2019). DNA damage was observed in rodent stomach, kidney and liver cells following higher exposure levels (Ramadan & Suzuki (2012)).EWG published a peer-reviewed study in 2021 showing TBHQ acts as a potential immunotoxin, with activity in both high-throughput screening and classical assays. TBHQ may suppress or harm human immune responses by affecting Nrf2, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and the glucocorticoid receptor, which play roles in regulating inflammation and immune responses (Naidenko et al. (2021). Uncertainties/where more research is neededBiomonitoring studies of TBHQ and examination of exposure through consumption of foods containing BHA are needed to observe if typical intake exceeds the ADI.More details about TBHQBHA, another Dirty Dozen food additive, is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or IARC. TBHQ can form in the body when it metabolizes BHA (Ousji & Sleno (2020).TBHQ has also been studied for therapeutic effects with respect to inhibiting neurotoxicity caused by oxidative stress (Zhao et al. (2020)).Cited resourcesGlobal health and regulatory agenciesEFSA (2016). Statement on the refined exposure assessment of tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (E 319). View Statement (EFSA Journal)USDA National Organic Program. The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/national-list42 Fed. Reg. 14557 (1977). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1977-03-15/pdf/FR-1977-03-15.pdf#page=42137 FR Reg. 25356 (1972) https://www.federalregister.gov/citation/37-FR-25356Comprehensive reviews and frameworksMonteiro et al. (2018): The UN Decade of Nutrition, the NOVA food classification and the trouble with ultra-processing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28322183/LegislationCalifornia, Legislature, Assembly (2025). Real Food, Healthy Kids Act. California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1264. Specific health impact studiesNaidenko et al. (2021). Investigation of Modulating Effects of Common Food Additives and Contaminants on Immune Cell Functions.https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/7/3590Freeborn et al. (2019). Tert-Butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) Impairs the Immune Response to Influenza Virus Infection. https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.505.3 Eskandani et al. (2014). Cytotoxicity and DNA damage properties of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) food additive.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24491735/Ousji & Sleno (2020). Identification of In Vitro Metabolites of Synthetic Phenolic Antioxidants BHT, BHA, and TBHQ.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7765162/Boss et al. (2018). The Nrf2 activator tBHQ inhibits the activation of primary murine natural killer cells. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691518306240?via%3Dihub Zhao et al. (2020). t-BHQ Provides Protection against Lead Neurotoxicity via Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4698940/

Daryush Nourbaha, an M.S. in Sustainability Science alum, reflects on the heavy toll of global conflict.

Dirty dozen food chemicals: Sucralose rcoleman April 14, 2026 EWG’s recommendation Avoid or limit foods containing sucralose.  Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose may increase risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults, as well as preterm birth. Evidence also suggests that artificial, or non-sugar, sweeteners do not lead to long-term weight loss. What is sucralose? Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It tastes similar to sugar but contains zero calories. Sucralose is often used as a sugar substitute in foods and drinks marketed as “diet,” “low calorie” or “zero sugar.” It is most commonly found in soda, flavored water, sports drinks, and other beverages, as well as yogurt, energy and granola bars, ice cream, candy, chewing gum and mints. As a table sugar substitute, sucralose is better known by one of its brand names, Splenda. Look for sucralose in the product ingredient list, usually below or next to the nutrition facts panel on the back of the package. It may also be listed as Splenda. How is sucralose regulated? The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for overseeing food additives and other ingredients. The FDA last reviewed and approved sucralose for use in 1998. Sucralose is also approved in the European Union. But it can not be used in food or supplements for infants and young children, with exceptions for special medical purposes.  The European Food Safety Authority determined earlier this year it could not confirm the safety of sucralose in foods that involve heating – for instance, baked goods – because it can form dangerous compounds in some circumstances.  In California, food and beverages containing artificial sweeteners will be considered ultraprocessed and restricted in school meals, starting in 2029. What does the science say about sucralose? In 2023, the World Health Organization completed a systematic review of more than 280 studies on sucralose and other non-sugar sweeteners.  The WHO found non-sugar sweeteners provided no long-term weight loss benefit and were linked to a wide range of potential health harms, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults, as well as preterm birth. As a result, the WHO recommends that artificial sweeteners should not be used to lose weight or reduce chronic disease risk. Since sucralose is in many common foods, it’s likely one of the most widely consumed non-sugar sweeteners. Children ingest more sucralose relative to their body weight than adults do. And it can also pass through breast milk, increasing exposure for infants and young children.  Find out more Learn more about recommendations relating to sucralose – and the full EWG Dirty Dozen list of food chemicals – on EWG’s research page. EWG’s Food Scores provides ratings for more than 150,000 foods and drinks based on nutrition, ingredients and processing concerns, and flags unhealthy ultra-processed foods to help you identify alternatives. EWG’s Skin Deep® cosmetic database helps to identify harmful chemicals in personal care and beauty products. EWG Verified® products meet the strictest criteria for transparency and health. And the Healthy Living App lets you take these tools with you on the go. Areas of Focus Food & Water Food Ultra-Processed Foods Toxic Chemicals Food Chemicals April 15, 2026

Dirty dozen food chemicals: TBHQ rcoleman April 14, 2026 EWG’s recommendation Avoid or limit foods containing the preservative TBHQ. Some animal studies have associated TBHQ with immune dysfunction, including potentially impairing the body’s ability to regulate inflammation and fight infections and cancer. What is TBHQ? TBHQ, or tertiary butylhydroquinone, is a preservative that prevents oxidation, extending the shelf life of fats and oils in processed foods. TBHQ is typically added to packaged foods like crackers, potato chips and baked goods that contain oil.  Look for TBHQ in the product ingredient list, usually found below or next to the nutrition facts panel on the back of the package. It may also be listed as tertiary butylhydroquinone or tert-butylhydroquinone. How is TBHQ regulated? The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for overseeing food additives and other ingredients. The FDA first reviewed and approved TBHQ as a food additive in 1972. The European Union approved the use of TBHQ in food in 2004. But studies published since then point to the preservative’s potential toxicity. The European Food Safety Authority has not approved TBHQ for use in baby formula, because of safety concerns for infants and toddlers, particularly if they consume large amounts of formula. It is still allowed in baby formula sold in the U.S.  What does the science say about TBHQ? TBHQ may affect immune system function and has been associated with DNA damage in animal studies. Recent studies in rodents show it can weaken immune cells that fight infections and cancer and affect how well the body responds to the flu or vaccines.  At higher doses, TBHQ has also been linked to DNA damage in organs like the stomach, liver and kidneys. A 2021 study found it may act as an immunotoxin, interfering with key proteins that control inflammation and immune responses in the human body. BHA, another preservative and Dirty Dozen food chemical, can break down into TBHQ in the body. More research is needed to determine whether eating foods with BHA can cause exposure levels to exceed daily limits for TBHQ. Where can I learn more? Find out more about EWG’s recommendations about TBHQ – and the full Dirty Dozen list of food chemicals – on EWG’s research page. EWG’s Food Scores provides ratings for more than 150,000 foods and drinks based on nutrition, ingredients and processing concerns, and flags unhealthy ultra-processed foods to help you identify alternatives. EWG’s Skin Deep® cosmetic database helps to identify harmful chemicals in personal care and beauty products. EWG Verified® products meet the strictest criteria for transparency and health. And the Healthy Living App lets you take these tools with you on the go. Areas of Focus Food & Water Food Ultra-Processed Foods Toxic Chemicals Food Chemicals Authors Sarah Reinhardt, MPH, RDN April 15, 2026