The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the use of aspartame, an artificial sweetener found in many carbonated drinks, may increase the risk of cancer in humans. However, the safe daily intake remains unchanged.
WHO Director: No Need to Withdraw Aspartame Products Despite Carcinogenic Concerns
Meanwhile, Dr. Francesco Branca, the Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at the organization, stated during his presentation of two dedicated studies evaluating this artificial sweetener that "We do not advise companies to withdraw their products, nor do we advise consumers to completely stop consuming them.
IARC Conducts First-Ever Evaluation of Aspartame's Carcinogenic Potential and Health Risks
For the first time, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization, conducted an evaluation of the level of "potential carcinogenicity and other health risks associated with the consumption of aspartame.
Aspartame Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic by Experts, According to WHO
Experts who convened from June 6th to June 13th to classify aspartame determined that it is "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B classification according to the agency's classification).
what type of cancer does aspartame cause?
This classification decision was based on "limited evidence in humans regarding the carcinogenicity of aspartame (specifically, liver cell cancer which is a type of liver cancer).
Limited Evidence of Carcinogenicity in Aspartame
The organization also noted the existence of "limited evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals and limited evidence for the mechanisms by which cancer may occur" regarding aspartame.
What is an acceptable intake of aspartame?
The committee therefore reaffirmed that it is safe for a person to consume within this limit per day. For example, with a can of diet soft drink containing 200 or 300 mg of aspartame, an adult weighing 70kg would need to consume more than 9–14 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake, assuming no other intake from other food sources.