The World Health Organization is prepared to classify Aspartame, which is routinely used in sugar-free drinks, as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
The decision has yet to be made public, although it may happen as soon as next month.
For decades, the chemical has been used in fizzy beverages, sugar-free gum, low-fat yogurts, and even ice cream.
“The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has assessed the potential carcinogenic effect of aspartame (hazard identification),” claimed the WHO.
“Following this, the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (Jecfa) will update its risk assessment exercise on aspartame, including the reviewing of the acceptable daily intake and dietary exposure assessment for aspartame.”
According to the WHO, the artificial sweetener has “possible” cancer-causing properties.
This does not necessarily imply that it causes the sickness, but there is some evidence relating its consumption to persons who have been diagnosed.
The IARC classifies substances as “probably carcinogenic to humans” or “carcinogenic to humans.”
For background, these three categories include over 1,100 different items, ranging from food and drink ingredients to living circumstances to risky behaviors.
Which major food products contain Aspartame?
Anything labeled “diet”, “no” or “low calorie”, or “sugar-free” is likely to contain aspartame.
It’s most commonly linked with diet fizzy beverages like Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, Sprite, and Fanta Zero, as well as diet squash and cordial drinks, although it’s also commonly found in foods.
Sugar-free gum, frozen desserts, reduced sugar ketchup, certain breakfast cereals, Muller Corner yogurts, and energy snacks have all been linked to the substance.
In addition to food, the sweetener has been used in medicines and supplements such as cough syrup and vitamin gummies.
It has also been used in instant coffee, sugar-free coffee syrups, and dairy-free milks.
What is the healthier alternative to Aspartame?
It has been used by food companies since the 1980s when the diet industry was booming.
However, the announcement is anticipated to have a significant impact on the global food manufacturing business.
When it comes to replacing Diet Coke, the only practical option is to switch to regular Coca-Cola, but the excessive quantities of sugar in fizzy beverages have long been a cause for concern for dieticians and dentists alike.
There are also safer natural sweeteners, such as Stevia, that can be used to sweeten food.
