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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH suggests intake limit on 'ultra-processed food, beverages' amid aspartame concern

DOH suggests intake limit on 'ultra-processed food, beverages' amid aspartame concern

Published Jul 15, 2023 02:05 pm
The health department has advised the public to limit consumption of "ultra-processed food and beverages" after the World Health Organization (WHO) released an article citing a possible link between the artificial sweetener aspartame and liver cancer. "According to the WHO report on the risk of consumption of aspartame, further research is needed to conclude the health risks of aspartame intake within the acceptable daily intake of 0-40 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. "Nevertheless, we welcome the reassurance and commitment of our local food manufacturers in complying with food regulatory standards to ensure public health and safety," the Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday, July 15. Said artificial sweetener is commonly used in diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy products, cough drops, and more. DOH and the Food and Drug Administration are set to issue an advisory explaining the safety code relative to the matter.

Aspartame hazards and risks

As per some research reviewed by WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the Food and Agriculture Organization Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, there is a possible link between said non-sugar sweetener and liver cancer, and it should be categorized as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." "The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies," said Dr. Francesco Branca, director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO in an article dated July 14. Thorough studies are still needed regarding the matter and the organization hoped that the proposed designation would catch the attention of scientists and encourage them to further research aspartame and its possible connection to the deadly disease.

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Department of Health (DOH) World Health Organization (WHO) aspartame
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