The World Health Organization (WHO) is reportedly set to declare the artificial sweetener aspartame as a possible cancer risk. Aspartame is a commonly used sweetener found in diet sodas, chewing gum, and various drinks. According to sources familiar with the process, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research arm of the WHO, will list aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" next month.
The IARC ruling is based on a comprehensive evaluation of published evidence and aims to assess whether aspartame poses a potential hazard. However, it does not take into account the safe consumption levels of the sweetener. The WHO's Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) is also reviewing the use of aspartame and is expected to announce its findings on July 14, the same day as the IARC's decision.
The safety of aspartame has been a subject of debate for many years. While JECFA and national regulators, including those in the United States and Europe, have deemed aspartame safe within accepted daily limits, the IARC's classification may raise concerns among consumers and put pressure on manufacturers to seek alternatives.
The IARC's previous rulings have had significant impacts on various industries. For instance, its classification of glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic" in 2015 led to legal battles and controversies. However, the IARC has also faced criticism for causing unnecessary alarm with its classifications.
The International Sweeteners Association, which includes major food and beverage companies like Mars Wrigley and Coca-Cola, has expressed concerns about the IARC review, calling it scientifically incomplete and based on discredited research. The International Council of Beverages Associations has also warned that the classification may mislead consumers and lead to increased sugar consumption.
Studies on the potential health risks of aspartame have yielded mixed results. An observational study in France found a slightly higher cancer risk among people who consumed larger amounts of artificial sweeteners, including aspartame. However, the study could not establish a causal relationship, and questions have been raised about the methodology of another study linking aspartame to cancer.
The listing of aspartame as a possible carcinogen is aimed at encouraging further research to draw firmer conclusions. However, it is likely to ignite debates about the role of the IARC and the safety of sweeteners in general. Last month, the WHO published guidelines advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners for weight control, which caused controversy within the food industry.
Overall, the upcoming declaration by the WHO regarding aspartame's possible cancer risk is expected to have significant implications for consumers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies involved in food safety.
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