Two bodies linked to the World Health Organization announced on Friday that "aspartame sweetener is a potential carcinogen, but it remains safe when consumed at agreed-upon levels." This announcement is based on the decisions of two different committees associated with the World Health Organization; one examined evidence of potential risk posed by the substance, while the other assessed the actual risk it presents to health.
Francesco Branca, the WHO’s nutrition department head, attempted to help consumers understand the seemingly conflicting announcements, particularly those seeking artificial sweeteners to avoid sugar. He stated, "If consumers are considering whether to drink cola sweetened with artificial sweeteners or cola with sugar, I think a third option should be considered, which is drinking water instead."
The International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that "aspartame is a potential carcinogen, meaning there is limited evidence that the substance could cause cancer." However, this does not take into account the amount a person would need to consume to be at risk, a consideration addressed by a separate body, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, based in Geneva.
After conducting a comprehensive review, the committee on Friday stated that it has no convincing evidence of harm from aspartame and continued to recommend keeping consumption levels of aspartame below 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day.
