WHO's aspartame warning leaves Australia's diet drink rules unchanged

The World Health Organization (WHO) classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic in 2023, raising questions about its safety in diet drinks. Yet regulators in Australia, including Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), kept existing guidelines unchanged. The average Australian still consumes nearly 60 litres of soft drink each year—many of which contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Aspartame, found in drinks like Diet Coke, has been under scrutiny since the WHO's 2023 warning. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) placed it in Group 2B, meaning limited evidence links it to cancer in humans. However, the WHO clarified that only extreme consumption—around 14 cans daily—might pose a risk. FSANZ maintained the safe daily intake at 40 mg per kg of body weight and did not update labelling rules by April 2026.

Regular diet soft drinks contain few nutrients but often include caffeine and artificial sweeteners. Some studies suggest these sweeteners could disrupt gut bacteria or irritate the digestive system. While an occasional diet drink is unlikely to create cravings for sweet foods, frequent consumption may contribute to health issues. Research has linked habitual diet soft drink intake to higher risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A standard 375 ml can of regular Coca-Cola holds about seven teaspoons of sugar—nearly 40 grams. Cutting back on sugary or artificially sweetened drinks can reset taste preferences over time. Many people find that after reducing intake, overly sweet foods and drinks start to taste unpleasant.

The WHO's classification did not change Australia's approach to aspartame regulation or product labelling. Diet drinks remain widely consumed, though health experts advise moderation. Reducing reliance on both sugary and artificially sweetened beverages may help lower risks of chronic diseases and improve overall dietary habits.