This content is first seen at World Health Organization.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this site is correct at the time of publication. POMConnect assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site.
14 July 2023
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have released their assessments of the health impacts of the non-sugar sweetener aspartame. The IARC has classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (IARC Group 2B), citing limited evidence for carcinogenicity in humans, specifically in relation to hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. JECFA, on the other hand, reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame.
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, ice cream, yogurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste, and medications.
Both IARC and JECFA conducted independent reviews to assess the potential carcinogenic hazard and other health risks associated with aspartame consumption. IARC’s classification reflects the strength of scientific evidence on whether an agent can cause cancer in humans, while JECFA’s risk assessment determines the probability of specific harm, like cancer, occurring under certain exposure conditions.
While the IARC’s evaluation indicates that safety is generally not a major concern at common doses, potential effects have been identified that require further investigation through more comprehensive studies. The assessments highlighted limitations in the available evidence for cancer and other health effects related to aspartame.
Both organizations will continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research on the potential association between aspartame exposure and consumer health effects.
Link to the full News (World Health Organization):
https://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2023-aspartame-hazard-and-risk-assessment-results-released
