FSANZ CEO, Dr Sandra Cuthbert, has released a statement concerning the current International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee for Food Additives (JECFA) assessments of aspartame.
She has advised that, when released, the IARC report on any cancer risk posed by aspartame will be considered by JECFA as part of its review. Experts from FSANZ are assisting JECFA with its risk assessment, which will be used by food standards agencies globally to inform national responses.
FSANZ will await the outcomes of the full review process to assess if further action is required. If unacceptable risks to the public are identified, FSANZ will work with domestic food regulation system partners and international agencies to take appropriate action.
