Health authorities, experts caution against excessive concerns over aspartame

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Group 2B carcinogens also include kimchi, aloe vera extract

By Jun Ji-hye

Health authorities and experts warn against excessively creating fear and panic over aspartame amid deepening confusion among consumers, as the common sweetener is expected to be labeled a possible carcinogen later this week.

The authorities and experts say aspartame is safe for the general population as long as they take in proper amounts as they have done so far.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) ― the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization ― will reportedly classify aspartame as a Group 2B carcinogen ― which it considers to be “possibly carcinogenic to humans” ― in its report to be published Friday.

Discovered in 1965 by U.S. chemist James Schlatter, aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than regular table sugar. As a low-calorie sugar substitute, it has become one of the world's most popular artificial sweeteners, being widely used in a variety of sugar-free foods and fizzy drinks including some brands of makgeolli (Korean rice wine), as well as drugs including some fever reducers for children.

As the IARC's move is shaking the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, several companies are already moving fast to find a substitute for aspartame, apparently mindful that negative public perceptions of aspartame as a result of the IARC report could lead directly to a sharp fall in sales.

But health experts say there is no need to worry too much about the health effects of aspartame as the amount people consume in their daily lives would not have a significant effect on their health.

Hong Hye-geol, a doctor-turned-TV personality, offers an explanation about aspartame on his YouTube channel, July 1. Captured from YouTube

“The carcinogenic potency of aspartame is similar to that of kimchi and electromagnetic waves,” Hong Hye-geol, a doctor-turned-TV personality, wrote on Facebook. “Some people are intentionally exaggerating the story about aspartame. We should not be swayed by them.”

Items that are already listed as Group B carcinogens include aloe vera extract, bracken ferns, electromagnetic waves and Asian-style pickled vegetables including the traditional Korean side dish, kimchi.

Ha Sang-do, professor of food science and technology at Chung-Ang University, also said that the clarification of Group B does not mean a severe warning to the general public.

“The clarification should be understood as a message advising people not to consume aspartame in excessive quantities,” he said.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said Korean people's average aspartame intake is just 0.12 percent of the acceptable daily intake (ADI).

“The figure is low compared to that of Europeans,” a ministry official said. “In order for the amount of aspartame intake to reach the ADI, an adult who weighs 60 kilograms would have to drink 33 750-milliliter bottles of makgeolli, which contain 72.7 milligrams of aspartame each, in a day.”

The official added that the ministry is preparing to draw up its own guidelines concerning aspartame intake to offer accurate information amid continued confusion and controversy.

“After the IARC makes its official announcement this Friday, we will consult with experts and monitor the moves of other countries to keep up to date,” he said.