Reacción a "Reactions: aspartame sweetener is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans, although the acceptable daily intake remains unchanged"

IARC has re-analysed old studies and come to the conclusion that the intense sweetener aspartame is “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B). The quality of evidence that underpins this assessment (mostly based on rodent studies) is not high and the conclusion can of course by challenged.   

Regardless, like most things in life, dose matters. The JECFA have reaffirmed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 40 mg/kg body weight per day which has been in place in Australia since aspartame was approved for use in foods and beverages in the 1980s. The most recent FSANZ diet exposure assessment determined that the the average Australian consumes less than 10% of the ADI and even the biggest consumers have less than 25% of the ADI 
 
Since this survey was conducted, other intense sweeteners have been approved including “stevia” and “monk fruit”, and have been popular as they are perceived as more natural alternatives.  Australian population intakes of aspartame are therefore well below the ADI, and likely to be decreasing due to the popularity of other alternatives. Therefore, even the most avid users are not likely to be at increased risk of cancer from aspartame in Australia. 

Finally, to put the IARC conclusion into perspective, aspartame will be grouped with other Group 2B foods/additives like pickled (Asian) vegetables, the colour amaranth and preservative Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). However, processed meats like ham, bacon and hot dog sausages are classified as Group 1 carcinogens and red meat is classified as Group 2A, indicating that they represent a higher risk for consumers than aspartame.