On July 14, 2023, WHO’s cancer research agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), conducted a comprehensive review and assessment of aspartame’s potential carcinogenic effect. Following this evaluation, they classified aspartame as a possible carcinogen. However, it is essential to note that the IARC also stated that aspartame can still be safely consumed in limited quantities.
What is Aspartame?
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in tabletop sweeteners, prepared foods, and beverages. It is also utilized as a flavoring in medications, chewing gum, and toothpaste among others. Due to its intense sweetness, only small quantities are needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness compared to sugar (American Cancer Society, 2023).
Dr. Donald Hensrud, a Nutrition Specialist at Mayo Clinic, believes that classifying aspartame as a possible carcinogen may confuse some people since the associated risk level is low.
IARC categorizes substances into three levels based on the certainty of their carcinogenic risk, ranging from highest to lowest: Carcinogenic to humans, Probably carcinogenic to humans, and Possibly carcinogenic to humans. Aspartame has been placed in the lowest category, being labeled as a possible carcinogen by the IARC.
Considering the potential health risks, should HR practitioners and employers keep products containing aspartame in the pantry?
Many organizations provide a communal pantry where employees can gather during their break time and enjoy their own food or meals provided by the organization.
Before making any changes regarding food choices within an organization, it is important to have support from senior leadership. If the leadership isn’t on board, it is unlikely that such policies will be implemented.
However, in most cases, organizations should not be policing what their employees eat. While it may be reasonable for organizations with specific missions such as PETA, or those with dietary restrictions to limit certain food items like animal products within their offices, dictating employees’ food preferences becomes excessive.
For instance, extensive research indicates that eating meat can contribute to health issues like cancer, stroke, and heart disease. This raises the question: should an organization ban meat on its premises? Deciding where to set the boundaries becomes complex, and enforcing such a ban poses practical challenges.
Instead, it is more appropriate for organizations to focus on providing healthy food options in the pantry or work events, offering nutritious snacks in vending machines, and promoting a culture of wellness. Employees should have the freedom to make their own food choices, as long as they align with any broader organizational guidelines or principles.