Is Cyclamate Safe?
Cyclamate is the additive E952 — a sweetener banned in the United States since 1970 but permitted in the UK and EU at limited levels.
Is Cyclamate safe to eat?
E952 is banned or restricted in one or more major markets. Different regulators have reviewed the evidence and reached different conclusions, so its status depends on where you live — always check the position in your own country. Cyclamate was banned in the US in 1970 after rat studies (later heavily disputed), yet remains approved in over 50 countries including the UK and EU — one of the clearest examples of regulators reaching opposite conclusions from the same data.
EFSA status: Banned or restricted in one or more major markets
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Cyclamate?
E952 is the E-number for cyclamate, one of the artificial & intense sweeteners group of food additives (E900–E999). Additives in this group sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar. A synthetic intense sweetener. Cyclamate was banned in the US in 1970 after rat studies (later heavily disputed), yet remains approved in over 50 countries including the UK and EU — one of the clearest examples of regulators reaching opposite conclusions from the same data. The 'E' in E952 stands for Europe — the number was granted under the EU additive authorisation system — but as the safety section below explains, regulators no longer agree that E952 belongs in food everywhere: it is banned or heavily restricted in at least one major market. We break down exactly where it stands, plus the vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E952, in detail below.
What foods contain Cyclamate?
E952 (Cyclamate) is typically found in:
- Squash and dilutable drinks
- Tabletop sweeteners
- Sugar-free products (EU/UK)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cyclamate bad for you?
E952 is banned or restricted in one or more major markets, so its acceptability depends on your country's regulator — see the safety section above.
Is Cyclamate vegan?
E952 is vegan. A synthetic intense sweetener, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Cyclamate halal?
E952 is halal. A synthetic intense sweetener, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E952 (Cyclamate) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).