Aspartame Could Be Declared as a Carcinogen: Artificial Sweetener Used in Sugary Products Controversy
- The World Health Organization (WHO) may declare aspartame “possibly carcinogenic”: One of the world’s most widely used artificial sweeteners, aspartame is expected to be listed as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
- The relevant decision will be announced on 14 July: The official WHO decision on aspartame will be announced on 14 July, which may cause concerns among brands and regulators.
- Different opinions among different organizations: JECFA, one of the other organizations of WHO, says that aspartame is safe in certain doses. However, the IARC’s decision on aspartame has yet to be announced, and its details will be kept secret until July.
- Potential effects and controversies: IARC’s decisions have raised concerns about the use of certain products in the past and have led to legal proceedings between brands and WHO. The IARC’s previous classification of issues such as glyphosate and red meat consumption as “possibly carcinogenic” has drawn criticism.
- Reactions of the relevant industry: Frances Hunt-Wood, Secretary General of the International Sweeteners Association (ISA), claimed that IARC bases its investigations on aspartame on unscientific and discredited research.
- Company reactions: Big companies like Pepsico are trying to change the use of aspartame. Pepsico reintroduced aspartame in 2020 after removing it from its sodas and bringing it back again.
This article discusses the possibilities and controversies of declaring aspartame as a carcinogen. The WHO’s decision and the IARC’s confidential findings may raise concerns about the use of aspartame, and the reactions of brands and regulators in the relevant industry may play an important role.
