IARC, International Agency for Research on Cancer, arm of World Health Organization, must classify the sweetener used in Coca-Zero as potentially carcinogenic.
Aspartame, used in soft drinks all over the world – and also in some Mars gum, for example – will be added to the list after research shows new evidence about the substance.
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However, it is worth noting that the IARC has not disclosed how much of this product is still considered safe for consumption. JECFA, a committee of experts from the UN and WHO, is studying the consequences of consuming the sweetener and the preliminary results will come out on July 14th.
Positioning of responsible companies
On the other hand, the International Sweeteners Association (ISA), of which Coca-Cola is a member, took a position, making it clear that this position could confuse consumers. Furthermore, it made it clear that this research is not comprehensive and is based on “discredited research”.
According to the Association, “IARC is not a food safety body and its review of aspartame is not comprehensive. from a scientific point of view and is mostly based on discredited research”, said the secretary of the ISA.
However, for higher placements, it is necessary to wait for the result and completion of organizations. Other organizations, such as the FDA (United States Food and Drugs Regulatory Agency), configure the use of the sweetener as safe since 1996.
What is aspartame?
O sweetener, widely used by industries for its low caloric index and high sweetness index, is made from the combination of phenylalanine and aspartic acid – two amino acids.
With the new searches, IARC can fall into one of four categories:
- Carcinogenic to humans;
- Probably carcinogenic to humans;
- Possibly carcinogenic to humans; It is
- Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity.
The result will only come out on July 14th, and only then will we know which amount can be considered harmful to the human health – and identify the quantities that beverage companies use, such as Coca-Cola Zero and, also, the Pepsi.
