GENEVA: Non-sugar sweetener aspartame has been categorised as potentially carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) due to limited evidence suggesting its carcinogenicity in them, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
Nevertheless, JECFA has reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame. The artificial sweetener, extensively used since the 1980s, is present in a variety of food and beverage items, including diet drinks, chewing gum, ice cream, yogurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste, and even medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins.
Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO, stressed the importance of comprehending factors contributing to cancer. He stated, "While safety is not a major concern at commonly used doses, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more extensive and improved studies."
Both IARC and JECFA conducted independent yet complementary reviews to assess the potential carcinogenic hazard and other health risks linked to aspartame consumption.
IARC's classification of aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans was based on limited evidence from studies on humans and experimental animals, as well as limited evidence related to potential mechanisms for causing cancer. Conversely, JECFA concluded that the available data did not warrant changing the previously established acceptable daily intake for aspartame.
It's essential to recognise that IARC's classifications are an initial step in understanding the carcinogenicity of a substance, aimed at identifying its properties and potential for harm. The hazard identification, however, does not imply the risk of developing cancer at a given exposure level.
JECFA's risk assessment, on the other hand, considers the probability of harm, specifically cancer, under specific conditions and levels of exposure. Both organisations' evaluations underscore the necessity for further research to better comprehend the potential carcinogenic hazard of aspartame.
The assessments were based on scientific data from peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports, and regulatory studies, all of which were reviewed by independent experts.
IARC and WHO will continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research groups to conduct further studies on the potential association between aspartame exposure and consumer health effects.
