Beverage industry criticizes aspartame classification – 07/04/2023 – Market

Representatives of the beverage and food industry sectors criticized the possibility of aspartame, a sweetener used in products such as sugar-free soft drinks, starting to be listed as possibly carcinogenic by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), a branch of the WHO (World Organization of health).

wanted by Sheet, Coca-Cola Brazil and PepsiCo said that the sector is being represented by the ICBA (International Council of Beverage Associations). The council, for its part, said in a note that “even IARC agrees that it is not the appropriate authority to carry out risk assessment based on actual consumption”.

Still according to the entity, the possible measure of the IARC contradicts scientific evidence and induces people to consume more sugar instead of choosing safe options without and with low sugar content. “All based on low-quality studies,” he says.

“Contrary to the leaked IARC opinion, an April 2022 systematic review published by IARC’s governing body, WHO [OMS]concluded that there was “no significant association” between higher consumption of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (as measured by beverage consumption) and cancer mortality,” the council wrote in a press release.

Abiad (Brazilian Association of Food Industry for Special Purposes and Similar) said that Iarc does not have attribution of food safety regulatory body.

“Abiad is concerned about preliminary speculations about the agency’s opinion, which may confuse consumers about the safety of aspartame,” the association wrote in a note. The positioning is followed by Hypera, owner of sweetener brands such as Zero-Cal.

As shown by the Reuters agency, the indication that aspartame is carcinogenic will be made in July by the IARC. The information raised doubts about the health risks of the product in the short and long term.

Non-nutritive artificial sweeteners have been targeted by the WHO since May, when the agency indicated that they should not be used for weight loss and maintenance. The guideline included aspartame.

According to experts consulted by the Sheet at the time, it is not necessary to stop using the products, which are mainly indicated for people with diabetes. Doctors pointed out that this type of recommendation is directed mainly at governments, which should review consumption in programs that target public health.

They consider, however, that it is important to consult a professional in the area, such as a nutritionist, to receive personalized guidance.