Sampling and Analytical Method for Workplace Monitoring of Aspartame in Air

Abstract Aspartame™ (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; Nutra-sweet[rgrave]; Nutrasweet Company, Chicago, Illinois) is a dipeptide methyl ester that imparts a sweet taste sensation. It has been approved for use in the United States since 1981. In the course of a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study to examine potential worker health effects at a food plant in the U.S., a method of sampling aspartame in air, and its analysis, was developed. A walk-through survey of the above-mentioned plant identified potential aspartame exposures to employees during weighing, blending, and packaging of dry dessert mixes. Potential analytical interferences included sodium citrate, ascorbic and fumaric acids, gelatin, maltodextrin, and mannitol. The collection system, using portable high flow (1–5 L/min) air pumps, is suitable for personal and area air sampling in industrial settings. Samples were collected on 1.0 micron pore size, 37-ml diameter polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filters wi...