Confusing Cancer Warning on Popular Sweetener

cerns with reports of its harmful effects, putting doubts in our minds to exactly what is the healthiest option to satisfy our sweet cravings.

An observational study in France analysed data from over 100,000 adults who consumed large amounts of artificial sweeteners including aspartame. It concluded that these food additives were associated with an increase in cancer risk compared to non-consumers. This had followed from an earlier Italian study that reported that some cancers in mice and rats, were linked also to the artificial sweetener aspartame.

of 355mL of Diet Coke everysingle-day, and that is not even declaring any additional harm from the excess of caffeine being ingested.

Aspartame is also known as Equal, is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is one of the most used artificial sweeteners found in our “low calorie” and “diet” products. It has been one of the most extensively studied food additives in the world, but there is no convincing evidence found to link it to cancer in humans. However, it does not mean that aspartame is harmless if consumed in excess and outside of a healthy balanced diet. Nor should it be avoided due to misunderstood fears and to be replaced by natural sugar, which the World Health Organisation strongly is against happening. It is simply a case that it is the dose that makes the poison, so do not panic as is not harmful at all in moderation.

by Nick Angelucci

For years we have been encouraged to replace real sugar with artificial sweeteners in our diet, not just to reduce our calorie intake but to prevent diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

However recently artificial sweeteners have raised con-

Respected chemist founder Albert Cincotta passes away

By Ellie Busby

Albert Cincotta, founder of the Cincotta Discount Chemist brand, has passed away at 93-years-old. Considered a pioneer of discount pharmacy in Australia, Albert opened his first store at 185 Merrylands Road, Merrylands, in 1951.

It was during the 1960’s when Albert first recognised the strong need for customers to obtain pharmaceuticals after normal business hours.

Passionate about “moving with the times”, Albert fought through the courts until he won the right to offer after hours trading.

Albert’s son Joseph Cincotta said his father had a very special connection with all his customers, and that people used to come from miles away just to see him.

“When I was child we used to live above the shop, my Dad was actually one of the very first after-hours pharmacists - Joseph told - And even when he closed at 11pm, you could come and ring a little bell on the door… it would go off at 2am and he would get out of bed, come downstairs, serve you and then go back to bed and open up the shop at 8am.”

In a statement, Cincotta Discount Chemist said Albert’s legacy will continue to live through the store teams and into the future. “Albert adopted a motto of ‘Famous for value, Famous for Care’,” the statement said.

“It’s this passion for providing value for money and superior care that led to the Merrylands store becoming an ‘institution’ in Greater Sydney.

“We pass our sincere condolences onto his wife Mary, children Joseph and Marianne, and the wider Cincotta family at this very sad time.”

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is the World Health Organization's cancer research arm, newly evaluated the carcinogenicity of aspartame. They concluded that the sweetener is a possible carcinogen to humans and classified it in its list of agents in the category Group 2B, which also includes pickled vegetables and Aloe Vera extract. This has drawn criticism for causing alarm, as there is no evidence of harm under the current recommended daily dietary intake guidelines. In fact, for an 82kg adult the harmful amount of aspartame would be equivalent to drinking 17 cans

Recognising Members of Our Community

Many members of our community do incredible work, contributing both to our local area and the nation as a whole. Their achievements should be recognised.

If you know anyone that deserves to be recognised, the nominations for the 2024 Australian of the Year Awards are still open for the following categories:

• Australian of the Year

• Senior Australian of the Year

• Young Australian of the Year

• Australia’s Local Hero

You can learn more and nominate someone at cms.australianoftheyear.org.au/nominate

“I encourage members of our community to nominate those who deserve to be recognised and celebrated for their contribution,” said Ms Anne Stanley MP.

“It is a small thing we can do to say thank you.”

Nominations close on 31 July 2023.

The Order of Australia is another way to recognise the achievements and contributions of someone in our community.

Nominations are open all year round and more information can be found at https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awardsorder-australia/nominate-someone-order- australia