International coalition calls for ban on aspartame

The dangers and prevalence of aspartame According to the coalition, aspartame is found in more than 2,500 products in Europe, particularly sugar-free foods and drinks such as Coca-Cola Zero, Pepsi Max and Sprite Zero. Natacha Cingotti, chief campaign strategist at Foodwatch International, was scathing: “An additive with such risks has no place in our food and drinks.”

Consumers are becoming more aware According to a survey of users of the Yuka mobile app who joined the petition, 95% of consumers now avoid products containing controversial additives. Another survey commissioned by Foodwatch found that 40% of the European population regularly consumes products containing aspartame, with the highest rates in Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Scientific background and recommendations The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warned of the potential health risks of aspartame as early as July 2023. The organization also set a daily intake limit: for a 70 kg adult, this is about a dozen cans of sugar-free soft drinks. Scientific evidence is currently limited, but the WHO believes that precautionary measures may be necessary.

How is the European Commission responding? Although the petition is gaining more and more support, the European Commission has not yet given an official response to the initiative. The question now is whether, in response to growing social pressure and scientific warnings, regulatory changes will be made, or whether aspartame will continue to be permitted on EU markets.