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Doha, Qatar: Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, is likely to be labelled as a probable carcinogen, according to Reuters.
IARC, the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), is said to soon classify Aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans". The IARC said it had assessed 1,300 studies in its June review, and Aspartame is apparently slated to be included in the 'cancer-causing list' in July.
Commonly used in products like Coca-Cola diet sodas, Mars' Extra chewing gum, and some Snapple drinks, Aspartame is authorised for use globally by regulators for over two decades, and major food and beverage companies have long defended their use of the ingredient.
According to sources close to the IARC, listing aspartame as a possible carcinogen is intended to motivate more research, which will enable agencies, consumers, and manufacturers reach firmer judgments, added Reuters.
However, it is likely to reignite debate over the IARC's role, as well as the safety of sweeteners in general.
The hashtag #Aspartame is now trending on social media, eliciting a variety of comments such as:
- "Time to cut out diet sodas. #Aspartame is cancer causing!"
- "So #Aspartame is suddenly carcinogenic after 20 years of evidence."
- "What did they do? #Aspartame. People have been giving their kids this stuff thinking it was ‘healthier’."
- "Probably a new sweetener is about to be released tbh."
- "To all my colleagues who are tweeting #aspartame is safe- think again. Do u give this to ur children?"
- "Diet Coke is not for me eversince!"
According to reports, Coca-Cola shares down 1% after WHO made the announcement.
