The current review assessed cancer studies of aspartame based on a quality appraisal using the Klimisch grading system. Nine studies having complete histopathology were included: three 2-year studies by Searle; three transgenic mice studies by the NTP; three lifetime studies by the Ramazzini Institute. A tenth study limited to brain tumors was not rated. None were determined as Klimisch Code 1 (reliable without restrictions). The Searle studies predated GLP standards but their methodology was comparable; transgenic mouse models are not validated, but are accepted as supporting data. These studies were rated Klimisch Code 2 (reliable with restrictions). The Ramazzini Institute used a lifetime model of their own design that has been questioned due to high rates of spontaneous tumors, issues with tumor type diagnosis and concerns about the impact of chronic infections. As many of these problems could be attributed to using animals that died or were terminated near end of life, along with the other problems noted, these studies were rated Klimisch Code 3 (not reliable). As the Klimisch Code 2 studies demonstrated a lack of carcinogenic potential, and as aspartame is hydrolyzed to common components and lacks genotoxic activity, a conclusion that aspartame is not carcinogenic is supported.

Three strains of Pekin ducklings were used to compare a breast skin and fat measurement with the percentage fat in the whole carcass. All of the ducklings were fed the same diets and raised in the same controlled environment. The ducklings were commercially processed at 45 d of age and chilled. Two breast skin measurements were then made. A caliper was used to measure the pinched breast skin and fat thickness on the whole carcass. The breast skin with adhering fat was then removed and weighed. The weight of the breast skin with fat was calculated as a percentage of ready-to-cook carcass (with neck). The carcasses were then frozen and shipped to the university for analysis of whole carcass fat. The bone-in carcasses were thawed, ground, and individually mixed to create homogeneous samples. The whole carcass fat was then determined using ether extraction. Correlation of percentage breast skin and fat to percentage whole carcass fat for each of the three strains ranged from .58 to .76. When all the strains were combined, the correlation was .90. All of the correlations were significant to at least the .01 level. (

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