WHO may consider aspartame sweetener a carcinogen
WHO experts may declare the artificial sweetener aspartame potentially carcinogenic. Consuming it in large quantities is thought to be associated with an increased risk of cancer.The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, may declare one of the world's most popular artificial sweeteners aspartame "potentially carcinogenic to humans." According to Reuters, the announcement could come in July.
The WHO has previously recommended against the use of non-carbohydrate sweeteners for weight control and reducing the risk of non-carcinogenic diseases. It has been noted that their long-term use may increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and death.
One recent study of aspartame was conducted in France last year and found that consuming the sweetener in large quantities slightly increased the risk of cancer in adults. IARC experts reviewed more than 1,300 scientific papers on the subject and discussed the issue with a number of experts in the preparation of the opinion.
Despite this, many trade associations and manufacturers criticized the IARC opinion, recalling that the agency had previously issued mixed decisions, causing unnecessary alarm to consumers. For example, IARC listed night work and red meat consumption as "possible cancer causing factors.