Central Research

Aspartame: its classification as a possible carcinogen and its impact on the industry

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that has been used in the food industry for decades. Its sweetness is 200 times that of sugar, making it a popular additive in low-calorie beverages and foods.

However, in recent years a debate has been generated around the possible classification of aspartame as a carcinogen due to scientific studies suggesting a relationship between aspartame consumption and the development of cancer. This article discusses the history of aspartame, previous studies on its relationship with cancer, reactions of the food industry, regulatory implications, impact on industry, communication and public perception, and classification as a possible carcinogen.

Aspartame was discovered in 1965 by James M. Schlatter, a chemist who worked at the pharmaceutical company G.D. Searle & Company. Schlatter was searching for new drugs to treat ulcers when he accidentally synthesized aspartame by mixing two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Upon tasting his substance, Schlatter realized that it was exceptionally sweet.

After its discovery, G.D. Searle & Company began studies to demonstrate the safety of aspartame as a food additive. In 1974, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aspartame as a sweetener in low-calorie foods and beverages. Since then, aspartame has been used in more than 90 countries and in more than 6,000 products.

Since the 1970s, numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety of aspartame and its relationship to cancer. Some studies have suggested a possible connection between aspartame consumption and an increased risk of developing brain tumors, leukemia and lymphoma. However, other studies have found no evidence of such a relationship.

Companies and organizations in the food industry have closely followed the research on aspartame and cancer. Many companies have defended the safety of aspartame, citing studies that have found no link between the sweetener and cancer. In addition, they have argued that regulatory agencies around the world, such as the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have thoroughly reviewed the scientific evidence and concluded that aspartame is safe for human consumption. However, some companies have chosen to remove aspartame from their products in response to consumer concerns about its safety. These companies have sought alternatives, such as stevia and erythritol, to replace aspartame in their products.

The classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen could have a significant impact on regulations and policies in different countries and regions. If a link between aspartame and cancer is confirmed, regulatory agencies could reconsider approval of the sweetener and set stricter limits for its use in foods and beverages. In addition, they could require warnings on the labels of products containing aspartame, similar to the warnings that appear on tobacco-containing products.

However, the regulatory implications will largely depend on the quality and strength of the scientific evidence supporting the classification of aspartame as a carcinogen. Therefore, it is crucial that further research be conducted to determine whether there is a causal relationship between aspartame and cancer.

Classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen could have a major impact on the production and sale of products containing the sweetener. Manufacturers could face a decline in demand for products containing aspartame, which could lead to a decrease in sales and the need to reformulate products to eliminate or replace it. In addition, the classification could prompt companies to look for alternatives to aspartame, which could generate new developments in the field of artificial sweeteners. However, these new sweeteners would also come under scrutiny in terms of safety and long-term health effects.

Current events and classification as a possible carcinogen by IARC

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research unit of the WHO, labeled aspartame as a potential carcinogen as of July 2023. This decision is based on a recent French study reporting an increased risk of cancer associated with aspartame consumption. The IARC ruling aims to assess whether something is a potential hazard or not, based on all the published evidence. The WHO label indicates that there is limited evidence linking aspartame to cancer, and that it is the lowest of three categories.

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) will update its risk assessment exercise on aspartame, including the revision of the acceptable daily intake and dietary exposure assessment for aspartame. The inclusion of aspartame as a possible carcinogen is intended to motivate further research, which will help agencies, consumers and manufacturers draw their own conclusions about its safety.

Conclusions

The classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen could influence public perception and risk communication by health authorities and the food industry. Consumer concerns about the safety of aspartame are likely to increase, which could lead to a decline in the consumption of products containing the sweetener.

Health authorities and the food industry will have a responsibility to clearly communicate the risks associated with aspartame and provide accurate, evidence-based information to consumers. Transparency and education will be key to maintaining public confidence and ensuring that consumers can make informed decisions about their diet and product choices.

Gary Jheferson Salazar Rondon, M.Sc.

Pharmacist with an MSc Clinical Pharmacology and MSc Biomedicine and Biochemistry. Professional with over 7 years of successful experience in Quality assurance, Regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Regulatory Affairs Specialist ROW at Sintetica; Senior Technical Regulatory Affairs Project Manager at Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Switzerland.