The W.H.O.’s Recent Declaration
On a notable Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) made an unexpected declaration, elevating the controversy surrounding aspartame to a new level. The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (I.A.R.C.) announced that aspartame, an artificial sweetener extensively used in diet drinks and low-sugar foods, could possibly cause cancer. The full report from the I.A.R.C. can be found here. This marked the first time that this renowned international organization has publicly addressed the potential effects of aspartame, an ingredient that has provoked debate for decades.
The Evidence and Context
This striking conclusion was based on limited evidence from three observational studies linking the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages to an increase in liver cancer cases — at consumption levels far below a dozen cans a day. The I.A.R.C. issued a cautionary statement that the results could potentially be skewed toward the profile of people who consume higher amounts of diet drinks and requested further research.
Despite this alarming announcement, a second W.H.O. committee, the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, maintained its position on a safe level of aspartame consumption. According to their standards, a person weighing 150 pounds could safely drink about a dozen cans of diet soda a day without risking cancer.
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Aspartame’s Ubiquity in the Food Industry
The contention around aspartame is further heightened by its nearly ubiquitous presence in our diets. Aspartame, one of six sweeteners approved by U.S. regulators, is found in thousands of products, including diet sodas, teas, energy drinks, yogurts, and sugar-free gum. It is also found in various pharmaceutical products, indicating its widespread use in the industry. You can see the full FDA report on aspartame and other sweeteners here.
Concerns about escalating global rates of obesity and diabetes, as well as changing consumer preferences, have led to a surge in the availability of no- and low-sugar food and beverages. The omnipresence of aspartame in our food and drink is undeniable.
The Response from the U.S. FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which approved aspartame decades ago, responded to the I.A.R.C.’s findings with unusual criticism. The FDA reiterated its long-standing stance that aspartame is safe, even in the face of the W.H.O.’s new findings. In a statement, the FDA declared that it “disagrees with I.A.R.C.’s conclusion that these studies support classifying aspartame as a possible carcinogen to humans”. The FDA went further by arguing that the label of ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ does not equate to a direct link between aspartame and cancer. The detailed statement by the FDA can be found here.
This provocative statement against the I.A.R.C. is expected to stir up further debate internationally. The dispute may also trigger a renewed review of the safety of aspartame in the United States.
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The Continued Debate on Aspartame and Other Sweeteners
The American Beverage Association (ABA) reinforced the FDA’s position. Kevin Keane, the interim president of the ABA, emphasized that aspartame is safe, referencing the dual W.H.O. statements and highlighting the second panel’s unchanged recommended daily intake. Keane stated that the WHO’s rigorous review confirms the FDA’s position and that of food safety agencies from over 90 countries.
The controversy isn’t solely about aspartame. Other artificial sweeteners have also faced scrutiny. Erythritol, for example, has been under investigation for potential links to cardiovascular issues, as highlighted by this New York Times report.
Some health experts even suggest eliminating artificial sweeteners from diets altogether. Saccharin, another sweetener, was removed from the list of potential human carcinogens after studies indicated it did not pose a cancer risk, as detailed here.
A Historical Perspective
Looking at historical context, the W.H.O. has occasionally been at odds with other authorities regarding potential cancer risks. A noteworthy example is glyphosate, an ingredient in Roundup, a weed killer. The W.H.O.’s declaration of a cancer link to glyphosate led to a series of lawsuits against the makers of the herbicide. You can read more about it here and here.
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The Role of the Beverage Industry
The influential beverage industry has consistently contested any regulatory or scientific finding that associates artificial sweeteners with health risks. This Newsweek article discusses the role of industry in preserving safe food and beverage choices. Aspartame, however, remains the latest point of contention for multinational companies pushing back against new studies or potential health risk links.
Health Considerations for Aspartame Consumers
Despite the ongoing debate, high consumers of aspartame might want to reconsider their dietary habits. Dr. Francesco Branca, director of the W.H.O. Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, suggested switching to water or other unsweetened drinks. However, he noted that occasional consumption should not pose a risk for most people.
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The recent W.H.O. declaration that aspartame might be a possible carcinogen has rekindled the debate over its safety. This declaration, coupled with the contradictory views from the FDA and ABA, is likely to result in a period of uncertainty and increased scrutiny of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.
While it’s important to stay informed and cautious, it’s equally crucial to remember that dietary habits involve numerous variables, and individual health outcomes can’t be attributed to a single ingredient. It’s advisable to maintain a balanced diet and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. As further research unfolds, we’ll gain a clearer understanding of the health implications of artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
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