CWN(CHANGE WITH NEWS) - Aspartame Expected to be Classified as ′Potentially Carcinogenic Substance′ by WHO′s International Agency for Research on Cancer

According to Reuters, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a subsidiary of the World Health Organization (WHO), is planning to classify the artificial sweetener Aspartame as a 'potentially carcinogenic substance'. Aspartame is widely used as a sugar substitute, known for having a sweetness 200 times stronger than sugar.

The IARC is expected to categorize Aspartame as a Group 2B substance, which means 'possibly carcinogenic to humans', in a report scheduled for release on the 14th of next month. This categorization is applied when both human data and animal testing data are limited, which is the case for Aspartame due to insufficient research.

Aspartame is currently used in various foods such as 'zero' beverages, candies, and gums, but there have been claims questioning its safety. The IARC's decision is an evaluation of the potential risks of the substance, but considerations regarding safe intake levels were not included in this decision, Reuters reported.

The classification decision of Aspartame is not limited to this case and may potentially trigger debates about the safety of sweeteners in general and the role of the IARC. Francis Hunt-Wood, Secretary-General of the International Sweeteners Association (ISA), criticized the IARC's decision as not scientifically comprehensive and reliant on less credible research.

The World Health Organization plans to announce safe consumption standards for Aspartame through a separate panel of experts. This decision is the first step in evaluating the carcinogenicity of Aspartame and is expected to lead to interest and discussion about food safety and regulation.

The WHO's decision will likely have a significant impact on consumers and the related industries. The food and beverage industry that uses Aspartame is strongly opposing this decision, and the debate over the safety of Aspartame and the IARC's evaluation method is expected to intensify.

Earlier this month, the WHO cautioned about the effects of artificial sweeteners on weight control. Alongside this, the research and discussions on the safety and risks of artificial sweeteners, including Aspartame, are expected to continue.

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