EU Bans Common Artificial Sweetener While It’s Still Widely Used in the U.S.

Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, is under intense scrutiny as a potential ban looms in Europe. Found in over 2,500 American products, including popular diet sodas like Coke Zero and Diet Pepsi, as well as sugar-free gum, low-calorie dairy, cereals, snacks, and some medications, aspartame’s safety is being questioned by consumer advocacy groups.

On World Cancer Day, February 4, 2025, Yuka, the French League Against Cancer, and foodwatch launched a campaign urging the European Union to restrict aspartame due to associated health risks. This move raises the question: could the U.S. follow suit?

Research has linked artificial sweeteners like aspartame to health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weight gain, and cancer. Since its introduction in the 1980s, the debate over aspartame’s carcinogenic properties has persisted.

In July 2023, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” after reviewing scientific studies. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) maintained the acceptable daily intake of aspartame at 40 mg/kg body weight.

Despite this, three organizations are calling for a complete ban in the EU, citing sufficient evidence of its risks. Philippe Bergerot, president of the French League Against Cancer, emphasized, “There is no reason to allow people to be exposed to a completely avoidable cancer risk.”

The petition targets 11 European countries, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Given the EU’s history of prioritizing natural ingredients, the proposed ban seems a logical step.

Camille Dorioz, Campaigns Director at foodwatch France, stated, “An additive with so many risks has no place in our food or drinks.” He urged European leaders to heed the WHO’s warning about aspartame’s potential cancer risks.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to allow aspartame in numerous products. The FDA disagrees with the WHO’s classification, stating, “Aspartame being labeled by IARC as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ does not mean that aspartame is actually linked to cancer.”

The FDA cites “significant shortcomings” in the research and maintains a daily limit of 50 mg/kg body weight for both adults and children. Despite global concerns, aspartame remains unrestricted in the U.S.

A 2024 study in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology revealed that over 62% of Americans regularly consume aspartame-containing products. Experts suggest reducing aspartame intake as a precaution.

To limit exposure, opt for whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and fish. Consider natural sweeteners like monk fruit or raw honey, and scrutinize ingredient labels for aspartame, which can appear as E951, NutraSweet, or Equal.

As the debate over aspartame’s safety continues, both in the U.S. and abroad, staying informed and choosing natural foods can help safeguard your health.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source