Sweetener Banned Abroad But Everywhere In America
Aspartame, a commonly used artificial sweetener in many products such as diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and low-calorie snacks, is currently facing increased scrutiny due to health concerns. Recently, several consumer advocacy groups in Europe, including Yuka, the French League Against Cancer, and foodwatch, have launched a campaign urging the European Union to ban aspartame because of its potential health risks. These concerns are amplified by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2023 classification of aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” based on limited evidence from scientific studies.
Despite these concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that aspartame is safe for consumption and continues to approve its use in over 2,500 products. The FDA disagrees with the WHO’s classification, arguing that the studies reviewed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) do not provide sufficient evidence to link aspartame to cancer. As of now, the FDA has set an acceptable daily intake limit of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight for aspartame.
In response to growing concerns about artificial sweeteners, experts suggest reducing aspartame consumption as a precaution. To minimize exposure, they recommend opting for whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which do not contain artificial sweeteners. Additionally, people can look for alternative sweeteners like monk fruit or raw honey when sweetening foods and drinks.
Although the FDA has not yet changed its stance, the debate around aspartame’s safety is likely to continue, with increasing pressure for more stringent regulations. Consumers who are concerned about potential health risks may consider staying informed on the latest research and opt for natural, unprocessed food choices to minimize their exposure to artificial additives. This ongoing controversy highlights the need for continued research and thoughtful consideration of the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners.
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