Aspartame Faces Calls for Ban Over Health Concerns

A new petition by health organizations seeks to ban the widely used sweetener in Europe, citing potential links to cancer and other health risks.

Foodwatch, the Ligue contre le cancer, and the Yuka app have launched a European petition demanding the prohibition of aspartame, which is present in over 6,000 products.
The petition follows the 2023 classification by the WHO's cancer research arm labeling aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans,' though evidence remains limited and inconclusive.
Scientific reviews, including those by the WHO and EFSA, have consistently found no significant health risks when aspartame is consumed within established daily limits.
Critics argue that the campaign exaggerates risks, distracting from more pressing public health issues like obesity, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.
Concerns over potential industry influence on studies supporting aspartame's safety have been raised, with advocates calling for stricter regulatory scrutiny.