The Facts
On Thursday, two groups linked to the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the artificial sweetener aspartame as a "possible carcinogen" but termed it safe to consume in moderation and at current agreed-upon levels.
In its first declaration, the International Agency for Research on Cancer said aspartame — found in thousands of sugar-free products like diet sodas — met the set criteria of "possible carcinogen," which means there's limited evidence that it can cause cancer.
The Spin
Narrative A
Listing aspartame as a possible carcinogen is a call for additional research into its health effects — such as links to Type II diabetes and cerebrovascular disease — but not to cause panic among consumers of the popular artificial sweetener. The food and beverage industry must not be afraid of more scrutiny to vindicate their products' safety further. There's no cause for alarm with aspartame.
Narrative B
From obesity to diabetes to possible cancer ties, aspartame has long been linked to a slew of health issues. The FDA and other regulatory agencies need to take a closer look based on decades of disturbing scientific studies. In the meantime, consumers need to consider healthier alternatives immediately.