“Aspartame does not cause cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has affirmed this in six comprehensive reviews of the ingredient over the past 40 years. Forty years of studies by real experts show the claims by IARC are not sound. IARC is not the appropriate body to assess health risk for an ingredient. I agree with the FDA that the WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) is the authoritative agency for an assessment of aspartame.”

“This is about supporting the FDA and consumer choice. It has long been scientifically proven that low- and no-calorie sweeteners like aspartame give people safe options for their diets. They allow people to reduce sugar consumption, combat obesity and mitigate the risk of diet-related diseases. It’s important that people be able to use any safe options available and aspartame has a long and consistent safety record.”

“Misinformation and general distrust in science are high. We need to avoid confusion and maintain public confidence, particularly when it comes to offering Americans the tools to better balance their diets. The best way to counter this misinformation is in supporting the FDA. The FDA’s rigorous standards ensure research is conducted with integrity and transparency and its approval is a seal of trust that means a product has been deemed safe. Let’s keep it that way.”

“Overconsumption of sugar is linked to many diet-related diseases. The United States has a goal to reduce individual daily intake of sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. We have made a lot of progress on this goal through the use of safe, sugar substitutes. We can only continue, however, if we trust the FDA to govern food safety and preserve access to safe alternatives to sugar.”

“I am working with the coalition because I want to defend the FDA’s process and conclusions. There is nothing more important than being able to trust the safety of our food. FDA staff work hard to ensure our safety and provide the public with reliable and trusted information. It is critical that people are able to make safe food and beverage options. The FDA gives them the ability to do that.”