The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to classify aspartame, a common sweetener in many food and beverage products, could possibly cause cancer.
Aspartame is a fake sugar that is much sweeter than real sugar and is used in sugar-free colas and chewing gum. The WHO’s cancer research group, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), looked at many studies and thinks that aspartame might be a cancer risk for humans. Based on all the evidence available, they want to see if something could be harmful.
Some people are not happy with the IARC’s decision. Scientists have done studies on aspartame and found mixed results. Some studies suggest that it could increase cancer risk, but others couldn’t prove it. If aspartame is labeled as a cancer-causing substance, it will greatly impact food companies. They may change their recipes to meet new rules and keep customers happy.