A leaked World Health Organisation report on potentially listing aspartame as a possible cancer-causing ingredient has been shut down by the beverage industry, who argue it’s as dangerous as using aloe vera or eating kimchi.

Australian Beverages Council CEO Geoff Parker told Simon Beaumont on 6PR Breakfast the Therapeutic Goods Administration would ban aspartame if they were worried it had detrimental effects on health.

“We would hope retailers and your listeners would look at those food standards that are rigorously reviewed all the time,” Mr Parker said.

Press PLAY to hear more about the argument over aspartame’s cancer-causing potential