Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s primary role is ensuring a safe food supply in Australia and New Zealand.
Aspartame has been evaluated by numerous scientific committees internationally and is considered safe at current permitted levels of use.
FSANZ is closely monitoring the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee for Food Additives (JECFA) assessments of aspartame.
When released, the IARC report on any cancer risk posed by aspartame will be considered by JECFA as part of its review.
The JECFA assessment will be crucial in understanding the extent of any public health risks associated with aspartame in food.
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.
The above is attributable to FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert.
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