New Expert Report Dispels Common Myths About...(To the contrary aspartame can be useful ...),Health

The panel spent 11 months reviewing well over 500 scientific articles and reports on aspartame, which entered the food supply in 1981. Aspartame is a simple ingredient that the body breaks down to components found in common foods like milk, fruit and vegetables. It is estimated to be used in more than 6,000 food products worldwide, including most diet soft drinks and many sugar-free chewing gums. A quarter century after its introduction, aspartame continues to dominate its market, accounting for nearly 60 percent of low- calorie sweetener use in a recent analysis by SRI Consulting.

Multiple opinion surveys conducted in 2007 confirm that sugar is at the top of the list of ingredients consumers are seeking to reduce in their diets, even though they clearly enjoy the taste. The expert panel report reinforces the conclusion of regulatory authorities around the world that aspartame is a safe sugar substitute for use in beverages, foods, gums and other consumer products.

The review was structured in a unique manner. Dr. Waddell, on behalf of the Burdock Group, selected members to achieve representation of the complete spectrum of toxicological expertise relevant to aspartame. The identity of the sponsor, Ajinomoto, was unknown to the chair and expert panelists throughout the conduct and completion of the review, and submission and peer review of the manuscript. Panelist identity also remained unknown to the sponsor. There were no known conflicts of interest or potential biases of the authors.

Other members of the expert panel were John Doull of the University of Kansas Medical Center; the late Robert Kroes of the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands; Gary M. Marsh of the University of Pittsburgh; Michael W. Pariza of the University of Wisconsin; Peter S. Spencer of the Oregon Health and Science Unive
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