Soda companies have nothing to fear from the WHO's warnings about aspartame

The global health authority, the World Health Organization (WHO), recently classified the artificial sweetener aspartame as "potentially cancer-causing for humans," yet it has not suggested any alterations to its recommended consumption levels. For many years, the allowed daily amount (ADI) of this sugar alternative has stood at 40 mg per kilogram of body weight. This stance remains unaltered, as stated by the WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in a shared announcement on July 13th.

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Experts suggest that there is currently only "restricted proof" regarding the cancer-causing properties of this widely used component, found in approximately 6,000 items, ranging from chewing gum to yogurt to diet drinks. They propose the need for additional and improved research, spanning over longer periods, to determine the existence and mechanisms of carcinogenicity.

Although the World Health Organization (WHO), a United Nations organization responsible for evaluating global public health, lacks the power to establish regulations, which falls under the jurisdiction of national regulatory bodies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), its guidance can shape public opinion and policies. With no modifications to consumer responses, the industry can currently feel relieved.

The American Beverage Association, an organization that advocates for Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Keurig Dr Pepper, expressed its approval of the World Health Organization's (WHO) advice, considering it as reassurance regarding the safety of the sweetener. In a statement released on July 13, the Association stated, "With over four decades of scientific research and this decisive confirmation from the WHO, individuals can proceed with certainty that aspartame is a secure alternative, particularly for those aiming to decrease their sugar and calorie intake."

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Beverage industry leaders are not greatly affected by the examination of aspartame. The segment of diet soda, although still overshadowed by regular soda, only accounts for less than 25% of the entire market.

The guidance alteration might have negatively impacted sales or required adjustments in beverage recipes. There are alternatives to aspartame, such as low-calorie sodas. Despite Pepsi Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero still having aspartame as an ingredient, PepsiCo made the decision to remove it from Diet Pepsi in 2020.

Diet Soda Limit: Acceptable Daily Intake

9-14: To surpass the recommended daily intake of aspartame, an adult weighing 70 kg would have to consume around 9 to 14 cans of diet soda, each containing 200 or 300 mg of this artificial sweetener, with no additional aspartame intake from other food sources.

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When presented with the choice between sweetener-infused cola or sugar-filled options, Francesco Branca of the WHO suggests a third alternative: opting for water instead and reducing the intake of sweetened products as a whole. This viewpoint was expressed by Branca in a conversation with the BBC subsequent to the release of the advisory.

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Aspartame FDA Approvals: A Brief History

In 1969, the pharmaceutical firm G.D. Searle & Co. (Searle) carries out a safety evaluation initiative to gather information for the submission of a food additive request regarding aspartame, a sugar substitute known to be 200 times more sweet than traditional sugar.

In July 1974, the FDA gives its initial authorization for aspartame to be used as a sweetener in various food products. These include tabletop sweeteners, chewing gum, cold breakfast cereals, and dry mixtures used in the preparation of certain foods like beverages, instant coffee and tea, gelatins, puddings, fillings, dairy products, and toppings. Additionally, the FDA determines a safe amount of aspartame that can be consumed based on extensive studies on its long-term effects.

In August of 1974, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) receives complaints suggesting that the presence of phenylalanine in aspartame might be connected to seizures and cognitive impairments. In response to these concerns, the FDA investigates the studies conducted by Searle and its team of experts finds certain aspects of the research questionable. As a result, the regulation pertaining to aspartame is temporarily suspended, preventing its sale in the market.

August 1977: Following a thorough examination of various experiments conducted on rats, mice, dogs, and monkeys, scientists from the FDA determine that the differences observed did not impact the accuracy of the information gathered.

In October 1980, a panel of experts known as the Public Board of Inquiry (PBOI) withdraws the previous approval of aspartame granted in 1974. Their decision is based on the belief that further research is necessary to ascertain if aspartame is responsible for the development of brain tumors.

In April 1981, the Committee of Experts on Food Additives (JECFA), a collaboration between FAO and WHO, sets the maximum amount of aspartame that is deemed safe for daily consumption at 40 mg per kilogram of body weight.

In July 1981, the Commissioner of the FDA reverses the decision made by PBOI, granting permission for the marketing of aspartame in dry foods.

In July of 1983, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants its approval for the inclusion of aspartame in fizzy drinks. The restriction is subsequently modified to a maximum of 50 mg per kilogram of an individual's body weight.

In the month of May in 1984, the FDA grants its approval for the inclusion of aspartame in multivitamins.

November 1986 witnessed the authorization by the FDA for the utilization of aspartame in various products like fruit juices, candies in the form of sticks, breath-freshening mints, and refreshing iced tea.

In December 1986, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affirms the safety of aspartame as a non-active component in medications, giving it the green light for inclusion in pre-prepared gelatin desserts.

June 1987: Up until now, the FDA has been getting and throwing out numerous complaints about its approvals. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) determines that the FDA appropriately followed its procedures for authorizing aspartame to be sold as a food additive.

October 1988 witnessed the approval of the utilization of aspartame by the FDA in the stuffing of pre-made cookies.

In the month of June in the year 1989, the FDA grants approval for the utilization of aspartame in frozen cheesecake that can be conveniently thawed and consumed. Additionally, this permission extends to the usage of aspartame in various frozen products such as fruit toppings, frostings, toppings, and fillings, both dairy and nondairy in nature.

In January 1992, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants its approval for the sale and promotion of aspartame. This decision allows its inclusion in larger sized packages, making it suitable for usage in popular food items like hot and instant cereals, as well as refrigerated and pre-prepared puddings.

April 1993 witnessed the clearance by the FDA for the utilization of aspartame in both hard and soft confections, an array of non-alcoholic drinks, and even beer containing a paltry alcohol content of below 3%.

June 1996: The FDA grants permission for the utilization of aspartame as a multipurpose sweetening agent following a request made by NutraSweet (previously known as Searle).

December 2005: The European Ramazzini Foundation (ERF) releases an inaugural research on the cancer-causing effects of aspartame.

2007: The FDA examines several more aspartame studies, including the ERF study, and affirms that none of them present any proof to prompt the FDA to alter their recommendations regarding the safety of aspartame.

October 2014: The FDA rejects two appeals made by ordinary individuals requesting the agency to withdraw the permissions for aspartame.

March 2022: A research conducted in France involving over 100,000 individuals reports an increased likelihood of developing cancer among those who consume substantial amounts of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame.

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