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The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), under the World Health Organization, is expected to classify aspartame, a widely-used artificial sweetener, as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" in July, reliable sources disclosed. Found in numerous food products, aspartame's classification aims to spur further investigation into its health effects.
Aspartame is found in numerous products, including Coca-Cola diet soda, Müller Light yogurts, Mars' Extra chewing gum, and more. While the IARC ruling, which was finalized earlier this month, aims to evaluate the potential hazards based on published evidence, it does not consider the safe consumption limits. Separate advice for individuals regarding the safe intake of aspartame is provided by the Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization's Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), as well as determinations from national regulators.
On the 14th of July, both the IARC and JECFA are expected to announce their findings. JECFA has historically declared aspartame safe for consumption within accepted daily limits since 1981. To pose a risk, an adult weighing 60 kg (132 pounds) would need to consume an excessive daily amount of 12 to 36 cans of diet soda, depending on the aspartame content in each beverage.
Although the IARC and JECFA findings remain confidential until July, an IARC spokesperson disclosed that these results are complementary and represent important steps in understanding the possible carcinogenicity of aspartame. However, it is crucial to note that the IARC is not a food safety authority. The WHO's JECFA is currently conducting a comprehensive food safety review of aspartame, and any conclusions should be drawn only after both reports are published.
Despite the ongoing debate, it is worth mentioning that aspartame has undergone extensive research, endorsed as safe by over 90 food safety agencies worldwide. The European Food Safety Authority conducted the most comprehensive safety evaluation of aspartame to date.
It is worth noting that a recent observational study conducted in France among 100,000 adults showed a potential association between artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame and acesulfame-K, and increased cancer risk.
Together, these developments shed light on the upcoming assessment of aspartame's potential risks and its impact on consumer safety.
According to the sources closely associated with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the inclusion of aspartame as a potential carcinogen is aimed at stimulating further investigation. This revelation comes just a month after the World Health Organization (WHO) released guidelines cautioning individuals against using non-sugar sweeteners for weight management.
Photo: Brett Jordan/Unsplash
