/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24764039/1267877034.jpg "No need to panic over aspartame in your diet soda")
Yesterday, Reuters reported that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), will soon classify aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic.” However, this does not mean you need to throw away any sugar-free products that contain the artificial sweetener. The IARC only assesses the hazard of a substance, not the actual risk. Just like how there is a hazard of a meteor destroying the Earth or the sun causing skin cancer, what matters is the actual risk of these hazards occurring. The IARC reviews data and categorizes substances as carcinogenic, probably carcinogenic, possibly carcinogenic, or unclassifiable. This means that any substance it reviews cannot be ruled out as non-carcinogenic. That’s why the IARC can list items like “very hot beverages,” aloe vera, and wood dust as potential causes of cancer, even though the actual risk of developing cancer from these items is low.
Therefore, when it comes to food safety, it is important to look to other organizations for guidance. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) within the WHO and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US both assess the risk associated with food additives, including aspartame. JECFA has deemed aspartame safe for consumption since 1981, and the FDA has also declared it safe for the general population. The FDA states that it reviews over 100 studies on aspartame and reevaluates its safety whenever objections are raised.
The renewed concern surrounding aspartame comes from the fact that both the IARC and JECFA are currently reviewing it and are set to publish their reports on July 14th. Food safety agencies, including the FDA, have flagged this timing as potentially confusing for consumers. The FDA believes that JECFA is better suited to assess the risk associated with aspartame consumption and should be the WHO’s lead entity in providing safety recommendations. The agency views JECFA’s review process as more reliable because it considers all available data, not just public data. The FDA also highlights that JECFA’s review was proposed in 2021 and endorsed by 188 countries.
Multiple agencies like JECFA, the FDA, and the European Food Safety Authority conduct reviews of aspartame based on a large body of high-quality scientific research. These agencies have consistently concluded that aspartame is safe for human consumption. JECFA’s report would consider food safety from various perspectives, not just cancer, providing a more comprehensive assessment of aspartame’s health risks.
Food safety agencies are responsible for establishing the accepted daily intake (ADI) of food additives. ADI is the amount that can be consumed daily throughout a lifetime without adverse effects. Scientists incorporate a safety factor when determining ADI to ensure health protection. The FDA sets the ADI for aspartame at 50mg per kilogram of weight, while JECFA sets it at 40mg. Therefore, an average person could consume a considerable amount of aspartame without surpassing the ADI.
Individual reactions to substances may vary. Some studies suggest that aspartame may trigger headaches and migraines for certain individuals, so if you’re prone to headaches, you may choose to avoid it. Additionally, carcinogens do not always cause cancer in every circumstance, and certain genetic factors or constant exposure may increase the likelihood of cancer. Medications can also be classified as carcinogens for some cancers but effective treatments for others.
Ultimately, it is not advisable to base decisions about consuming aspartame solely on a leaked report from a non-food safety agency. Aspartame is one of the most extensively studied sweeteners and undergoes regular rigorous reviews by food safety agencies. Until these agencies state otherwise, there is no need to panic.