Global Courant
SEOUL – Reports that aspartame, a commonly used artificial sweetener, could be reclassified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a possible carcinogen has alarmed makers of Korean makgeolli and consumers alike.
Makgeolli, or Korean rice wine, is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks here. In 2021, the makgeolli market is estimated to be worth about 510 billion won (S$528 million), with exports of US$15.8 million (S$21 million), up 26.8 percent from a year ago , according to data from the Food Information Statistics System.
“(Makgeolli makers) will take concerted action if aspartame is categorized as a carcinogen,” said an official from Seoul Jangsoo, which accounts for about 40 percent of the makgeolli market.
“(We) will also consider making changes to our recipes to not use aspartame if necessary,” the official added.
The answer comes as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research arm of the WHO, is expected to declare the artificial sweetener a possible carcinogen on July 14.
Rising consumer concerns have also led makgeolli companies to take preventative measures.
“I like to drink makgeolli, but if the artificial sweetener is carcinogenic, I might switch to other drinks,” said a 36-year-old man named Choi who lives in Seoul.
Despite the underlying concerns about aspartame, sales of makgeolli have remained stable.
Sales of makgeolli at CU convenience stores between July 1 and July 3, right after the release of reports on aspartame, were down 3 percent compared to a week ago, according to the CU retail chain.
An industry source said sales haven’t been affected much, “at least for now,” without the official ruling.
“But it could hurt the industry in the long run if the WHO decides to do so,” said the source.
The source also expressed concern that the IARC ruling could mislead customers into thinking that aspartame is relatively safer than other carcinogens.
According to the 2021 Ministry of Food and Drug Safety report, a 60 kg adult would need to drink about 33 bottles of makgeolli to exceed the acceptable daily intake of aspartame. Another ministerial report published in 2019 also said daily intakes of aspartame in South Korea remained just 0.12 percent of acceptable levels.
“Aspartame intake (in the country) previously remained at low levels and is still low now,” a spokesman for the Ministry of Food said Monday.
“The ministry will consult experts and observe how other countries react to the possible change.”
