The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organisation (WHO) agency, has stated that aspartame, an artificial sweetener commonly found in diet drinks and low-sugar foods, may have the potential to cause cancer.

In a press statement released by the global health body, the IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on limited evidence of cancer in both humans and experimental animals.

Specifically, it highlighted hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer, as a concern.

However, the WHO agency also noted that aspartame is safe to consume within a daily limit of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

They provided an example that an adult weighing 70kg would need to consume over 9-14 cans of diet soft drink per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake.

Aspartame has been widely used as an artificial sweetener in various food and beverage products since the 1980s.

The WHO emphasised the need for further research to investigate potential effects associated with aspartame consumption, while also stating that current evidence does not convincingly link aspartame to cancer in humans.

The IARC and WHO will continue monitoring new evidence and encourage independent research on the health effects of aspartame exposure.