Hoax News About Aspartam Continues To Appear, This Is What Consumers Understand

JAKARTA - Maintaining health is important. But it is equally important to sort out which information we deserve to listen to, and which is just baseless scare. Recently, a chain message has been circulating again which mentions a long list of drinks that are claimed to be dangerous because they contain aspartam. The message mentions the risk of brain cancer, hardening of the bone cord, to diabetes, complete with the names of well-known brands and sources referred to from medical circles.

For anyone who reads it, the contents of the message do sound worrying. But unfortunately, the information is not supported by facts and is a hoax that is repeatedly clarified.

Aspartam is a low-calorie sweetener that has been used globally for more than 40 years. The sweet taste of aspartam is about 200 times stronger than sugar, so using it in small amounts is enough.

Many products such as light drinks, energy drinks, supplements, and medicines use aspartam because it can provide a sweet taste without adding too many calories. This is very helpful for people who want to reduce sugar consumption either for health reasons, diet, or medical needs such as diabetes.

Doctor Gia Pratama, creator of health content and head of the Emergency Room at a private hospital in South Jakarta, said that aspartam is an artificial sweetener that has long been used in various food and low-calorie beverage products.

The use of aspartam is quite common, especially among individuals who are undergoing a weight loss program. This substance can be part of a transitional strategy in efforts to reduce sugar intake, without completely eliminating sweet tastes from food or drinks, "said dr. Gia Pratama.

Safe Or Not? This Is What The World Health Institute Says

Aspartam is one of the most researched food supplements by both the national and international agencies. The Food and Drug Administration of the Republic of Indonesia (BPOM) has responded to hoax messages that are often rescattered on its website. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) all state that aspartam is safe to consume, as long as it is still within recommended daily consumption limits.

"I want to emphasize the importance of public education regarding the consumption of artificial sweeteners. The use of aspartam still needs to be adjusted to health conditions and of course it should be consumed within reasonable limits," added dr. Gia Pratama

A viral message circulating stated that aspartam causes brain cancer, bone cord damage, and other dangerous diseases, as well as including a list of products claimed to be triggers. However, the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) has officially confirmed that the information is not true.

Quoted from IDI's statement on the website of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, IDI has never issued an official release or statement regarding the list of drinks that cause cancer. IDI also mentioned that the name of the doctor who was listed in the message was not registered as an organizational member.

Each official statement from IDI is only issued through an official channel with letterhead, the signature of the general chairman, and can be verified publicly.

The spread of false information about food and drinks can not only cause panic, but also make people lose confidence in products that are actually safe and tested. It can even make people avoid healthier choices just because of baseless fear. In addition, hoax spreaders can even now be prosecuted. The Law on Information and Electronic Transactions (UU ITE) article 28 paragraph 1 states that if someone deliberately spreads false and misleading news, they can be sentenced to up to 6 years in prison or a fine of up to 1 billion rupiah.

As consumers, we have the right to know what we consume, and it must be based on science, not rumors. If in doubt, don't look for answers in chat groups, look for reliable sources such as BPOM, WHO, or professional medical personnel.

Being healthy is not enough to stay away from sugar, carbohydrates, or chemicals, but also by staying away from misleading information. In the midst of the swift flow of hoaxes, critical attitudes are part of a healthy lifestyle, "concluded dr. Gia.