The World Health Organization’s cancer research arm has flagged the sweetener aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans. This development has been reported by major outlets, including Yahoo News.
Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, is set to be listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans in July, according to sources cited by Yahoo News. The IARC reached this conclusion after reviewing a broad set of studies and plans to publish its assessment on July 14.
In 2022, a large French study involving about 100,000 adults found a small association between higher intake of artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, and an increased risk of cancer. Earlier decades also saw animal studies suggesting possible links between aspartame and certain cancers in mice and rats, though a direct cause-and-effect relationship had not been established at that time.
Another body, the WHO Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), is also evaluating guidance on aspartame consumption. Back in 1981, JECFA concluded that aspartame can be considered safe when used within established intake limits. For a typical 60 kg adult, estimates suggested that consuming 12 to 36 cans of soda daily, depending on the aspartame content, could approach levels of concern. Endorsements from JECFA tend to influence national regulators, including those in the United States and Europe.
In the past, some manufacturers have challenged IARC classifications, arguing that certain reviews may overstate risks or mislead consumers about potential impacts on profitability. A notable example occurred in 2015 when IARC labeled glyphosate as possibly carcinogenic, a decision that drew pushback not only from manufacturers but also from European and other regulatory bodies, who questioned study quality and interpretation. The debate around these classifications often fuels public anxiety, even when absolute risk remains uncertain for many people.
Historically, IARC has also classified factors such as night shift work and red meat as probably carcinogenic, while evaluating mobile phone use with a similar designation. These labels have sometimes provoked confusion about personal risk and what actions to take in daily life. The broader effect is a sense of unease for consumers who rely on written guidance to inform everyday choices about diet and health.
Despite ongoing debates, aspartame remains approved for use by several regulatory authorities around the world and is frequently found in sugar-free beverages and processed foods. Its presence in the food supply is governed by safety evaluations and consumption recommendations that vary by country but tend to follow international standards.
As of May 2022, health organizations issued guidance suggesting caution about relying on sweeteners for weight control, highlighting that evidence for their efficacy is weak and potential adverse effects cannot be ruled out. This conclusion underscores the importance of considering overall dietary patterns and lifestyle factors when assessing weight management strategies and long-term health risks.