The World Health Organization's cancer research arm is likely set to declare a commonly used sweetener, Aspartame, as a possible carcinogen.
According to reports, Aspartame is a commonly used artificial sweetener, found in diet cokes and Mars' Extra chewing gums. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer research arm of WHO is likely to declare Aspartame as a possible carcinogen in July, Reuters reported.
However, IARC reportedly did not recommend the quantity a person can safely consume. Such advices reportedly would be made by Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization's Expert Committee on Food Additives, alongside determinations from national regulators.
However, trade bodies have rejected IARC's assessment. Reuters quoted Garrett Nelson, senior equity analyst at CFRA Research as saying, “The headlines could have a negative impact on sales volumes of lower-calorie sodas, which is really a function of how much attention the story garners.
"We think this report is likely to cause beverage companies and trade groups both to challenge the findings and swap to substitute sweeteners in their recipes such as stevia,” Nelson told the publication.
According to reports, manufacturers have started testing products with alternatives to ensure the taste is consistent. It is typically used at a concentration of up to 500 mg/litre but usually less as it is used in blends with acesulfame, Reuters reported.
