The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, as a “possible carcinogen,” drawing disagreement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The big picture: The WHO’s announcement is based on a review of “limited evidence” and does not alter the recommended daily intake of aspartame.
* The WHO advises that “high consumers” of diet soda or other foods containing aspartame should be cautious.
* According to the WHO, a person weighing about 130 pounds could consume up to 2,400 milligrams per day of aspartame, which is roughly equivalent to 12 cans of Diet Coke.

Dispute over findings: The U.S. FDA disagrees with the WHO’s new classification of aspartame as possibly carcinogenic.
* The FDA argues that this new label does not mean that aspartame is conclusively linked to cancer.
* Two separate WHO committees reviewed the evidence on aspartame, with one finding a limited evidence of potential cancer risk, while the other concluding that the association was not convincing.

Industry Defense: The American Beverage Association, representing companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper, maintains that aspartame is safe.
* The association cites the WHO’s decision to maintain the current acceptable daily intake as support for the FDA’s position.

Despite uncertainties: Some experts argue that diet sodas can be useful for those trying to manage their weight and limit sugar intake.
* While the WHO advises against using non-sugar sweeteners for weight control, other studies show that swapping caloric drinks for zero-calorie options can be beneficial.
* However, others are calling for more in-depth, long-term research, given the potential decades-long period for cancers to develop after exposure to possible carcinogens.

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