BBC– Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is used throughout the world in low-calorie drinks and foods. Regulators say existing studies show it is safe, but will look at the European Journal of Clinical Oncology study.

But they said it was unlikely that the sweetener was harmful to humans to the same extent as in rats. Concerns have been raised about the aspartame in the past, but an analysis of 500 papers by UK regulators in 2002 concluded there was no threat to consumers.

The Food Standards Agency said: “The European Food Safety Authority intends to undertake an urgent assessment of this study to establish whether there are any implications for human health.

“We will study EFSA’s opinion carefully and consider what, if any, action may be required.”

Dr Elaine Vickers, cancer information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: “If a risk to humans does exist, it will almost certainly be very small.

“However, we welcome the news that the EFSA will undertake an urgent assessment of this work.”

Continue reading about Sweetener Linked to Leukemias. 

© BBC, 2005

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