These Soft Drinks Contain Aspartame – The Sweetener WHO Declared ‘Possibly Carcinogenic’

These Soft Drinks Contain Aspartame – The Sweetener WHO Declared ‘Possibly Carcinogenic’

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organisation (WHO), recently classified aspartame, a commonly used artificial sweetener, as a possible carcinogen.

This classification was based on an evaluation of scientific data from various sources, including peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports, and regulatory studies. It’s important to note that the joint assessment by the WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s expert committee on food additives (JECFA) still considers aspartame safe to consume at the agreed-upon levels of 40mg/kg of body weight.

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Aspartame, an odourless white powder discovered in 1965, is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar.

It is used as a sugar substitute in many food and beverage products because only a small amount is needed to provide sweetness.

Aspartame is approved for use in Nigeria and other countries as a non-nutritive sweetener, and it has been deemed safe by regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency.

Controversies have surrounded aspartame over the years, including studies that suggest a potential link between regular consumption of sweeteners, including aspartame, and increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

However, the evidence on these associations remains inconclusive.

It’s worth noting that the classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen by the IARC does not mean that it poses a definitive risk.

Further research and monitoring are needed to better understand any potential health effects associated with aspartame consumption.

DRINKS THAT CONTAIN ASPARTAME

• Diet Coke
• Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
• Sprite Zero Sugar
• Fanta Orange – Zero Sugar
• Schweppes Ginger
• Schweppes Pineapple with Malt Extract
• Schweppes Bitter Lemon
• Red Bull Sugar-Free
• Pepsi Max
• Fanta Zero
• 7Up Zero Sugar
• 7Up free

Past rulings made by the IARC on other substances had raised concerns among consumers, leading to lawsuits, and forcing manufacturers to recreate recipes and shift to alternatives.

WHO said it will continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research groups to develop further studies on the potential association between aspartame exposure and consumer health effects.