On February 4, 2025, a coalition including the French nutrition app Yuka, the NGO Foodwatch, and the Ligue contre le cancer launched a petition urging European institutions to ban aspartame, a sweetener that has sparked health concerns.

The World Health Organization classified aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' in 2023, reigniting nearly fifty years of debate over its safety.

Foodwatch's recent report highlights emerging research linking aspartame to various health risks beyond cancer, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, neurotoxicity, and adverse effects on the gut microbiome.

Philippe Bergerot, president of Ligue contre le cancer, emphasized that there is no justification for exposing people to avoidable cancer risks and urged political leaders to take action against aspartame.

Found in over 6,000 products, particularly low-calorie items like diet sodas and yogurts, aspartame has been authorized in France since 1988.

The acceptable daily intake of aspartame is set at 40 mg per kilogram of body weight, meaning a 70 kg adult would need to consume a significant amount of beverages to exceed this limit.

Experts recommend moderation in aspartame consumption rather than complete avoidance, suggesting it can be beneficial for those seeking lower caloric intake.

A YouGov survey revealed that about 40% of Europeans regularly consume products containing aspartame, highlighting its widespread use.

Concerns have been raised about aspartame's potential links to diabetes, premature births, and cancer risks, prompting calls for precautionary measures.

Foodwatch and its partners have questioned the credibility of the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) risk assessments, noting that nearly three-quarters of studies deemed reliable were funded by the food industry.

Aspartame, identifiable by its E number E 951, was last re-evaluated by the EFSA in 2013, which did not change its approval status despite ongoing scrutiny.

Camille Dorioz from Foodwatch France stressed that substances posing health risks should not be present in food, advocating for a precautionary approach.