Aspartame, a sugar substitute used in diet drinks, juices, and lighter versions of chewing gum, yogurt and jelly is set to be listed as a possible carcinogen by the World Health Organization — yes, the same organization that lied to us about COVID-19 death rates. The news has prompted some people to claim on social media that they will never touch Diet Coke or any other products containing aspartame. However, experts say the WHO leak has caused unnecessary panic and are urging people not to overreact. Studies have shown that the average adult would have to consume a whopping 15 cans of Diet Coke a day to breach the recommended aspartame intake. Professor Gunter Kuhnle, an expert in nutrition and food science at the University of Reading, slammed the WHO, charging that they have no supporting data for the claims they’re making. “Aspartame has been investigated for many years, and so far there has been no reason to change the daily recommendation,” said Kuhnle. He went on to explain that they need to find out what amounts of aspartame have caused cancer before issuing such a blanket statement. Over the years, WHO has slapped similar warnings on red meat, working overnight, and using mobile phones and have faced criticism for sparking needless alarm over hard-to-avoid substances or situations.
