Aspartame: Anvisa maintains recommendation for consumption – 07/14/2023 – Health

Faced with the statement by the WHO (World Health Organization) on the inclusion of aspartame in the list of possibly carcinogenic substances, Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) informed, this Friday (14), that it maintains the recommendation for its consumption.

According to the regulatory agency, there is no change in the safety profile for the consumption of aspartame, so Anvisa will continue to closely monitor the advances of science on the subject.

“Aspartame has been the subject of extensive investigation, including experimental studies, clinical research, epidemiological and exposure studies and post-market surveillance. There is a consensus among several international committees considering aspartame safe, when consumed within the acceptable daily intake”, he said. , in note.

The International Sweeteners Association (ISA) issued a statement reinforcing the product’s safety in balanced diets aimed at weight loss and reducing sugar consumption.

The new consideration on aspartame has been awaited since the end of June, when the possibility of including the sweetener on the list of carcinogens by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), the cancer research arm of the WHO, was announced.

The substance has a sweetening power about 200 times greater than common sugar and is widely used in dietetic products, such as chewing gum, soft drinks and powdered juices. Today, other types of sweeteners, such as sucralose, are also frequently used in the production of these types of foods.

Aspartame has been included in group 2B on the IARC list, alongside foods like red meat and pickled vegetables. The agency groups the substances according to the quantity and quality of scientific evidence on the association of compounds with cancer. In the case of this group, some studies indicate a connection with cancer, but there is no scientific consensus.

According to a statement, ISA considers that the WHO decision does not nullify the safety of the product, emphasizing the opinion of JECFA (Joint Committee of FAO/WHO of Experts on Food Additives).

“JECFA has once again reaffirmed the safety of aspartame after conducting an exhaustive, comprehensive and scientifically substantiated review,” states ISA Secretary General Frances Hunt-Wood in the document.

Anvisa also informed that the agency is discussing alternatives to improve the rules for declaring sweeteners and other food additives in the list of ingredients, as well as the legibility requirements that will allow the consumer to more easily identify the presence of these constituents. in food.