Experts are advising British individuals to remain calm and continue their consumption of Diet Coke, despite recent news linking the sweetener aspartame to cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to list aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” causing some people to swear off products containing the sweetener. However, experts argue that the leak is causing unnecessary panic and that individuals should not overreact. The WHO recommends an average adult would need to consume 15 cans of Diet Coke a day to exceed the recommended aspartame intake. Aspartame is commonly found in products such as Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, Extra chewing gum, and Muller Light yoghurts. Despite the leak about aspartame, experts emphasize that claims without supporting data can be misleading. Professor Gunter Kuhnle of the University of Reading argues that creating health-related panic is a bad idea and urges individuals not to change their behavior based on this report. The IARC’s classification of aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” is based on evidence linking it to cancer, but it does not indicate how carcinogenic it is. Other substances with similar classifications include aloe vera extract and talcum powder, while eating red meat or being a hairdresser are classified as “probably carcinogenic.” Experts believe it is important to assess the data in the context of how much aspartame is regularly consumed by the general public. Experts and health regulators emphasize that artificial sweeteners like aspartame do not cause cancer and have passed rigorous assessments. The Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) will determine safe consumption levels for aspartame once the IARC report is officially published. Current recommendations for daily aspartame consumption in the UK are 40mg per kg of body weight, meaning a 70kg adult could safely consume about 2800mg. The British Dietetic Association explains that an individual would need to consume 15 cans of Diet Coke a day to be at risk of health consequences from aspartame. Industry bodies argue that the research conducted by the IARC is widely discredited and contradicts decades of high-quality evidence. Food safety regulators in the UK will examine the JEFCA report before deciding on any further actions. It is worth noting that individuals with phenylketonuria, a rare inherited blood condition, should avoid aspartame due to its phenylalanine content. Overall, experts advise individuals not to panic and to wait for further information before changing their consumption habits.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
