The NutraSweet Company is issuing a writ for libel and malicious falsehood against The Guardian following publication in today's edition of several highly misleading articles about the low-calorie sweetener aspartame.

Extensive studies by scientists at world renowned research institutions have proved that aspartame is safe, and is not associated with any side effects. Aspartame is made from two amino acids which are the building blocks of all protein. Like protein, aspartame is digested by the body to its component parts. It does not therefore bring anything new to our diet.

The articles in The Guardian repeat old allegations which have been thoroughly investigated and dismissed by independent review bodies and government authorities.

In 1987 the General Accounting Office (GAO), an agency of the US Government, investigated the entire regulatory process which led to the FDA's approval of aspartame. They concluded that the aspartame approval was conducted in a thorough and forthright manner and that the FDA acted properly in all respects with its review and approval.

The UK Government has confirmed that its review of all low-calorie sweeteners is not, as claimed, in response to a "dossier" received from Erik Millstone. The Government is undertaking its review to fulfill its obligation under the 1983 legislation amending the Sweeteners in Foods regulations.

Foods and drinks sweetened with aspartame provide consumers with low calorie products that taste excellent. By providing sweetness without calories, aspartame, which is better known as NutraSweet, makes an important contribution to a healthy diet, helping to reduce the incidence of the diseases of over- consumption, such as coronary heart disease and adult on-set diabetes.

Aspartame is approved by The World Health Organisation, the United Nations, the EEC Scientific Committee on Foods, the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Foods, the Department of Health, and by regulatory authorities in over 70 countries around the world.