WHO finds artificial sweetener used in Diet Coke and Coke Zero is ‘possibly carcinogenic’
One of the world’s most common artificial sweeteners is set to be declared a possible carcinogen next month. The push will be led by the World Health Organisation’s cancer research arm the International Agency for Research on Cancer, according to two sources with knowledge of the process — pitting it against the food industry and regulators. Aspartame is used in products from Coca-Cola diet drinks, such as Diet Coke and Coke Zero, to Mars’ Extra chewing gum and some Snapple drinks. For more Food, Wine & Drinks related news and videos check out Food, Wine & Drinks >> In July the IARC will list aspartame for the first time as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”. The IARC ruling, finalised earlier this month after a meeting of the group’s external experts, is intended to assess whether something is a potential hazard or not, based on all the published evidence. It does not take into account how much of a product a person can safely consume. Aspartame is an ingredient in Coc...