Despite an offshoot of the World Health Organization saying there is a 'possible' link between aspartame and cancer, the recommended daily limit remains unchanged, says Sky's Thomas Moore.
Aspartame, which is found in some of the biggest brands of low-calorie food and drink,The health warning will no doubt cause a bit of a stir, particularly as it comes from an offshoot of the World Health Organization.
Diet Coke, Muller Light yoghurts, Wrigley's Extra chewing gum and many more everyday items are affected.The International Agency for Research on Cancer divides substances into three categories of hazard that matter here. So far it has assessed about 1,000 of them - and the classification reflects the strength of the scientific evidence.Then there's class 2A, with chemicals and substances that have a"probable" link, such as red meat.
And finally class 2B, with the"possible" link. Here, aspartame is now listed alongside aloe vera and pickled vegetables.It reflects the rather weak evidence of a link. The limited human research either shows no increased risk from consuming aspartame, or a weak association - though in these studies the IARC can't rule out lifestyle, diet or underlying health issues affecting the results.
At the same time as the IARC's assessment, another safety body called JECFA has looked at the risk of consuming aspartame as a food additive.After a fresh review they've left the recommended limit unchanged. That's reassuring.An average 10-year-old weighing 32kg could safely consume just over six cans in a day.Children are perhaps more likely to exceed the limit because of their smaller body size.
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