(TJV) According to two sources familiar with the matter, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), is expected to declare aspartame, one of the most commonly used artificial sweeteners worldwide, as a “possible carcinogen.” This decision, set to be announced in July, has pitted the food industry and regulators against the health body.

Aspartame is widely used in various products, including Coca-Cola diet sodas, Mars’ Extra chewing gum, and certain Snapple drinks. The IARC’s ruling is based on an assessment of published evidence to determine whether a substance poses a potential hazard, irrespective of the safe consumption limits for individuals. The evaluation of safe consumption limits is conducted by a separate WHO committee called JECFA (Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization’s Expert Committee on Food Additives), along with national regulators.

Past IARC rulings on different substances have sparked concerns among consumers, leading to lawsuits and pressuring manufacturers to reformulate their products or seek alternatives. Critics argue that the IARC’s assessments can be confusing for the public.

While the IARC is finalizing its ruling, JECFA is also reviewing the use of aspartame this year. Both committees’ findings are expected to be announced on the same day, July 14. The synchronized processes have raised concerns among industry and regulators, who fear that it may lead to confusion. U.S. and Japanese regulators have requested coordination between the bodies to avoid such confusion.

The IARC’s decisions hold significant weight. For instance, in 2015, the committee concluded that glyphosate, an herbicide, was “probably carcinogenic,” which had long-lasting implications for companies like Bayer. However, the IARC has faced criticism for causing unnecessary alarm over substances or situations that are hard to avoid. The classification levels used by the IARC are based on the strength of evidence rather than the degree of danger posed by a substance.

The International Sweeteners Association (ISA) has criticized the IARC review of aspartame, calling it scientifically incomplete and based on discredited research. The association, which includes members such as Mars Wrigley, Coca-Cola, and Cargill, has expressed concerns that the review may mislead consumers. The International Council of Beverages Associations and public health authorities have also expressed worries about potential consumer confusion and the impact on sugar consumption.

Studies on aspartame have been conducted over the years, with some showing a slightly higher cancer risk associated with its consumption. However, these studies have not definitively proven a causal link, and questions have been raised about the methodology of certain research, including by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Regulatory bodies globally have authorized the use of aspartame based on their review of available evidence, and major food and beverage companies have long defended its use.

The classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen by the IARC aims to stimulate further research, helping agencies, consumers, and manufacturers draw more conclusive conclusions. However, it is expected to reignite the debate surrounding the IARC’s role and the safety of sweeteners in general. The WHO recently published guidelines advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners for weight control, which caused controversy in the food industry that argues these sweeteners can be beneficial for reducing sugar intake.