Aspartame - Good or Bad?

Aspartame.
This controversial artificial sweetener was first synthesised in 1965. It is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. American chemist James Schattler, working in the development of an anti-ulcer drug, discovered aspartame's sweetness when he licked his finger, which had been accidentally contaminated by the substance. It is currently used to substitute sugar for diabetic people.

As it was concocted in the process of making an anti-ulcer drug, there were many concerns by the public, also because aspartame was found to have caused cancer in laboratory rats. The US Food and Drug Administration first approved the use of this substance for dry foods in 1980. This chemical later spawned a whole new industry when the United States of America's patent on aspartame expired in 1992. Soon after, it was approved for use in all food products in 1996.

Aspartame is not a normal part of the human diet. Furthermore, the US Food and Drug Administration's ultimate approval of aspartame as a food additive is highly suspicious.

However, as early as 1974, there had been controversy about aspartame's effect on the public with long-term consumption. To date, at least 500 reports have been written about aspartame, and a 2007 safety evaluation found that based on the scientific evidence so far, it is safe at normal levels of consumption as an artificial sweetener, at least for now.

Aspartame is not a normal part of the human diet. Furthermore, the US Food and Drug Administration's ultimate approval of aspartame as a food additive is highly suspicious.

After reading all this, what is your stand? Please leave comments!