The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will examine the World Health Organization’s (WHO) report, which raises concerns about the potential carcinogenic effects of the artificial sweetener aspartame. Reports suggest that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a cancer research division of WHO, is likely to classify aspartame as a possible carcinogen. An anonymous senior official from FSSAI stated that they would review the report upon its delivery to the authorities.
Meanwhile, representatives from food companies argue that the report may mislead consumers into increasing their sugar consumption. Aspartame, one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners globally, is commonly utilized in India by soft drink manufacturers, breakfast cereal producers, ice cream makers, and juice companies, positioning it as a “healthier” substitute for sugar.
If India’s food regulator endorses the WHO report, it could have a substantial adverse impact on the sales of these products. Conversely, the International Council of Beverage Associations, which represents major companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, expressed confidence in the safety of aspartame. They point to scientific evidence and “positive safety determinations by food safety authorities in over 90 countries.” The council is deeply concerned that this leaked opinion contradicts decades of high-quality scientific research, potentially misleading consumers into consuming more sugar instead of opting for safe no- or low-sugar alternatives.