The World Health Organization said Thursday it is now classifying aspartame, an artificial sweetener commonly used in soft drinks, as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," though the acceptable daily intake level remains unchanged.

"WHO is not recommending the producers to withdraw or authorities to withdraw products from the market" explains Francesco Branca, the World Health Organization's nutrition and food safety director, during a press conference presenting the findings of two assessments into aspartame.

But he also add3e that "if consumers are faced with the decision of whether to take cola with sweeteners or one with sugar, I think there should be a third option considered, which is to drink water instead."