Three Associations are Planning to ban “Aspartame” against cancer and launch a petition to EU

In July 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) , a part of WHO, classified that ‘aspartame’ is carcinogenic to humans. This led to the incitement of the consumer advocacy groups including Foodwatch, which is based in Germany to ban this artificial sweetener. On February 4, 2025 which is observed as the “World Cancer Day” the three associations Foodwatch, the Cancer League and Yuka have planned to ban ‘aspartame’ as per the prompt of WHO and IARC. Following this initiative they have planned to launch the petition to the European Union (EU). 

Is Aspartame harmful?

This ‘aspartame’ is an artificial sweetener which is used as a sugar substitute in the many diet and low-calorie food and beverage products and it is said to be prevalent in the products of over 6,000 across Europe which are Coca-Cola Zero, Pepsi Max, and Sprite Zero, energy drinks, chewing gums and other light products. The profound research of experts which is done for over three years has stated a shocking revelation about the aspartame. This ingredient or chemical substance can lead to the cause of two types of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile, it doesn’t help to control or obtain the weight through the beverages/energy drinks which have been used.

The president of the League against Cancer, Philippe Bergerot said that, “there is no reason to allow people to be exposed to a completely avoidable risk of cancer. The World Health Organisation and numerous scientific studies highlight this risk”. 

“There’s no time to lose. The inaction of governments and Europe over the last year and a half is intolerable. An additive with so many risks has no place in our food or drink” said Natacha Cingotti, Senior Campaign Strategist, Foodwatch.

The shocking research (YouGov Poll) of Foodwatch states that 40% of the Europeans are consuming the products which contain this harmful aspartame regularly and it indicates that the health of future generations is at high-stake.

Also Read | US State Dept fires 60 contractors in rights and labor bureau