Found in popular bubbly beverages such as Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Pepsi Max and 7 Up Free, aspartame gives a taste 200 times sweeter than that of sugar for very few calories in return.
“The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies,” Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at the WHO said.
Citing “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), who conducted research alongside the WHO, classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans, rather than establishing a definitive link.
It was concluded that that the data evaluated “indicated no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake”.
Kate Loatman, International Council of Beverages Association (ICBA) Executive Director, said people can now continue their drinking habits as normal.
“This definitive conclusion by the world’s leading health and food safety experts once again affirms that aspartame is safe,” Loatman said.
“After rigorous review, this landmark WHO and UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) finding further strengthens confidence in the safety of aspartame and will play a vital role in informing consumers as they consider all options to reduce sugar and calories in their diets.”
Other food products like yogurt and certain kinds of confectionery also sometimes contain aspartame, but it is not safe at warm temperatures or in large quantities, and therefore not used in baked goods.
In Australia, the acceptable daily intake is 40mg per kilo of body weight a day, which is about 60 sachets.
Aussies can identify aspartame in drinks and foods by looking for additive number 951.
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