http://www.lineone.net/express/00/01/09/news/n0100splash-d.html

Prove that diet drinks are safe
INVESTIGATION By Lucy Johnston

THE SUNDAY Express today demands a Government inquiry into the safety of
aspartame, Britain's best-selling low calorie sweetener after mounting
concern that it poses a health risk. The sweetener - sold as NutraSweet
and Canderel and found in products such as diet drinks and desserts -
has been linked with more than 90 adverse reactions including brain
tumours and blindness.

Aspartame has been used for 18 years but no study has properly analysed
the affects of long-term exposure. It is now being questioned by a
growing number of scientists, consumer groups and MPs.

The evidence is still inconclusive and its manufacturers Monsanto, are
confident existing research has declared it safe. A spokesperson said:
"This product has been approved by health and regulatory authorities
across the world. No credible, well-controlled independent research
shows any link between health risks and aspartame."

But most of the studies that declare it safe are funded by the food
industry. An analysis of studies in America until 1996 found that 92 per
cent of independent research papers expressed concerns. © Express
Newspapers, 1999