FDA Reviewing Italian Aspartame Study
Federal health officials said Monday they are conducting their own review of a since-discredited 2005 Italian study that concluded the sugar substitute aspartame causes cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration said in a statement that it expects to complete its review of a portion of the study data, begun in late February, "as soon as possible." Meanwhile, the regulatory agency said it has not seen scientific information that would support a change in its conclusions about the safety of aspartame. In 1981, the FDA determined that aspartame was safe for use in food.
An Italian study last year concluded aspartame led to higher rates of lymphoma and leukemia in rats. However, the European Food Safety Authority reviewed the data and said last week it did not support the study's conclusions. The European agency reiterated its previously held position that the low-calorie sweetener is safe.
Aspartame has been sold for 25 years. It's found in thousands of products, including sodas, chewing gum, dairy products and even some medicines. NutraSweet and Equal are popular brands.
A large U.S. study released last month found no link to cancer in a study of aspartame use among more than half a million Americans.