Aspartame may be declared ‘carcinogenic’ by the WHO’s Cancer Research Branch (JECFA).

The decision in this regard will be made public on July 14.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization, is expected to label the popular artificial sweetener aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” in July. 

What is Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that has been widely used as a sugar substitute since the 1980s. Discovered by chemists in 1965, it gained popularity as a low-calorie alternative to sugar due to its intense sweetness and negligible calorie content. Aspartame is composed of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, as well as a small amount of methanol. However, concerns have been expressed about its potential side effects.

Aspartame, which is found in products such as Diet Coca-Cola, chewing gum and some Snapple drinks. All are being assessed by IRAC for potential hazards based on published evidence. However, the WHO’s separate committee on food additives, JECFA, is also reviewing aspartame this year. Since 1981, the JECFA has maintained that aspartame is safe to consume within certain daily limits.

This dual process has given rise to concerns of confusion among the public. The findings of the two committees, to be announced on July 14, are complementary, but the difference in their focus can lead to misunderstandings. The IARC assessment is the first step in understanding carcinogenicity, while the Additives Committee assesses the risk of harm under specific conditions and exposure levels.
Aspartame has been studied extensively, and some studies suggest that higher intakes of the artificial sweetener are associated with a slightly higher risk of cancer. However, these studies have not conclusively proven that aspartame increases the risk of cancer.

The IRAC decision may spur more research on the matter, but it is likely to reignite the debate over the role of the IRAC and the safety of sweeteners.
However, it can be said that the World Health Organization can postpone or postpone its decision on aspartame. Because the global market of billions of rupees in which the trade of big brands of soda, fruit juice, chocolate, candy, sugar free tablets and medicines will all be affected. The World Health Organization equates appearances with health. But has always been bowing down to capitalism. Because the funding of the World Health Organization itself has been done by these multinational companies. In such a situation, W.H.O. His activities are under suspicion. In which this possibility can also be expressed that any new artificial sweetening element can be brought. Or an already existing artificial sweetener can also be considered as preparation for consumption in the market. For now, foodmen will keep an eye on the announcements of 14th July.