Aspartame Cancer Controversy... Hong Hye-gul Says "Same as Kimchi, Don't Be Exploited"

"Lowest 2B Carcinogen"
"Electromagnetic Waves and Kimchi Are on the Same Level... Risks Should Not Be Exaggerated"

The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to classify aspartame, the main sweetener used in zero-calorie soft drinks, as a possible carcinogen. However, an expert has argued that there is no need to have excessive fear about the risks of aspartame.

On the 4th, Dr. Hong Hye-gul, a medical doctor, wrote on his Facebook page, "The artificial sweetener aspartame recently announced has been designated as a Group 2B carcinogen, the lowest grade," adding, "If something rated 1 is dangerous, be cautious to that extent; if something rated 100 is dangerous, be cautious to that extent."

He also provided a detailed explanation of the carcinogen classification system. Dr. Hong said, "Group 1 carcinogens include processed meats like ham, alcohol, sunlight, salted seafood, and fine dust; Group 2A carcinogens include beef, pork, beverages over 65 degrees Celsius, and night shifts," and "Group 2B carcinogens include electromagnetic waves, kimchi, aloe, and ginkgo leaf extracts." This means that the carcinogenic potential of aspartame is on the same level as kimchi, which is also classified as Group 2B.

Aspartame is used as the main sweetener in zero-calorie soft drinks such as Zero Cola.

He then emphasized, "Why is this not acceptable in our country?" and urged, "Let us not be exploited by those who intentionally exaggerate the risks."

Earlier, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), under WHO, announced its intention to classify aspartame as a Group 2B carcinogen. The classification decision is scheduled for the 14th. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar and has been used in various processed foods since its invention in the United States in 1965. It is especially popular as a sugar substitute in zero-calorie soft drinks.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) explained the specific risks of aspartame on the 3rd. According to the MFDS, a child weighing 35 kg would have to drink more than 55 cans of zero-calorie cola daily to exceed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of aspartame.

Additionally, the aspartame intake of Koreans is currently far below the ADI standard. A comparison of the total national intake against the ADI from the 2019 reevaluation of food additive standards and specifications showed that aspartame intake was only 0.12% of the ADI.

Regarding this, the MFDS explained, "An adult weighing 60 kg would have to drink 33 bottles of Makgeolli (750 ml each) per day to reach the ADI for aspartame," adding, "Since it is practically impossible to consume such a large amount daily, there is no need to worry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.