The Italian studies mentioned in the article run counter to 40 years of research confirming aspartame safety. After reviewing the Italian work, multiple health experts, most notably the European Food Safety Authority, concluded that there is no credible evidence that aspartame is carcinogenic and that there is no need to further review the safety or to revise previously established levels of safe and acceptable intake.

Obesity is a problem in today's society that truly does present a health risk. Safe, low-calorie sweeteners like aspartame are tools that help my clients manage calorie intake while enjoying good-tasting foods and beverages. I appreciate the article's review of sweeteners, but we must be careful not to scare consumers with claims that have been dismissed by health experts.

Jennie McCary

Albuquerque, N.M.