Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released

Assessments of the health impacts of the non-sugar sweetener aspartame are released today by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Citing “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans, IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) and JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight.Aspartame is an artificial (chemical) sweetener widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy products such as yogurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste and medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins.“Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Every year, 1 in 6 people die from cancer. Science is continuously expanding to assess the possible initiating or facilitating factors of cancer, in the hope of reducing these numbers and the human toll,” said Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO. “The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies.”The two bodies conducted independent but complementary reviews to assess the potential carcinogenic hazard and other health risks associated with aspartame consumption. This was the first time that IARC has evaluated aspartame and the third time for JECFA.After reviewing the available scientific literature, both evaluations noted limitations in the available evidence for cancer (and other health effects).IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans (specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer). There was also limited evidence for cancer in experimental animals and limited evidence related to the possible mechanisms for causing cancer.JECFA concluded that the data evaluated indicated no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame. The committee therefore reaffirmed that it is safe for a person to consume within this limit per day. For example, with a can of diet soft drink containing 200 or 300 mg of aspartame, an adult weighing 70kg would need to consume more than 9–14 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake, assuming no other intake from other food sources.IARC’s hazard identifications are the first fundamental step to understand the carcinogenicity of an agent by identifying its specific properties and its potential to cause harm, i.e. cancer. IARC classifications reflect the strength of scientific evidence as to whether an agent can cause cancer in humans, but they do not reflect the risk of developing cancer at a given exposure level. The IARC hazard evaluation considers all types of exposures (e.g. dietary, occupational). The strength-of-evidence classification in Group 2B is the third highest level out of 4 levels, and it is generally used either when there is limited, but not convincing, evidence for cancer in humans or convincing evidence for cancer in experimental animals, but not both.“The findings of limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and animals, and of limited mechanistic evidence on how carcinogenicity may occur, underscore the need for more research to refine our understanding on whether consumption of aspartame poses a carcinogenic hazard,” said Dr Mary Schubauer-Berigan of the IARC Monographs programme.JECFA’s risk assessments determine the probability of a specific type of harm, i.e. cancer, to occur under certain conditions and levels of exposure. It is not unusual for JECFA to factor IARC classifications into its deliberations.“JECFA also considered the evidence on cancer risk, in animal and human studies, and concluded that the evidence of an association between aspartame consumption and cancer in humans is not convincing,” said Dr Moez Sanaa, WHO’s Head of the Standards and Scientific Advice on Food and Nutrition Unit. “We need better studies with longer follow-up and repeated dietary questionnaires in existing cohorts. We need randomized controlled trials, including studies of mechanistic pathways relevant to insulin regulation, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, particularly as related to carcinogenicity.”The IARC and JECFA evaluations of the impact of aspartame were based on scientific data collected from a range of sources, including peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports and studies conducted for regulatory purposes. The studies have been reviewed by independent experts, and both committees have taken steps to ensure the independence and reliability of their evaluations.IARC and WHO will continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research groups to develop further studies on the potential association between aspartame exposure and consumer health effects. 

(Via World Health Organisation)

Howden Coffee and Balls to Cancer: A Collaboration Worth Drinking to

Howden Coffee, UK-based coffee specialists, has partnered with Balls to Cancer in an effort to further raise support for those living with, and affected by cancer. With every purchase made by their customers, Howden Coffee will donate 5% of their sales to Balls to Cancer, supporting the mission of raising awareness and supporting those affected by cancer.Eliott Spencer, Founder of Howden Coffee, shared his thoughts on the partnership, saying, “We wanted to find a way to give back to the community and make a meaningful impact. We believe that partnering with Balls to Cancer is the perfect way to do this, as we are able to support their amazing work and make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer.”The partnership between Howden Coffee and Balls to Cancer is a beneficial collaboration for both parties that allows coffee lovers to get more than just a bag of coffee. Howden Coffee are able to give back to the community while allowing more people to support charities in a truly convenient way. Howden Coffee are committed to making a difference and supporting causes that matter. Through the partnership, Balls to Cancer can become even more able to provide support and care to those in need.Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people around the world, and partnerships like this are crucial to making sure that the valued support provided by Balls to Cancer gets the backing to grow and continue the invaluable work carried out. The partnership between Howden Coffee and Balls to Cancer is a shining example of how businesses can make a difference. Through this partnership, there is the ability to raise awareness about cancer, support those affected by the disease, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families. With every bag of coffee sold, Howden Coffee are able to support the mission of Balls to Cancer and provide help to those in need.To get your coffee fix while supporting an amazing charity, visit Howden Coffee and make a difference.

Balls to Cancer Ladies FC have a new sponsor for 22/23 season.

We are very pleased to announce that for the coming season our ladies team home shirt sponsors are Provincial Safety.

You can find out more on them by visiting their website provincialsafety.co.uk

Provincial Safety Services Ltd was established in 1982 by our current Managing Director Stephen Turner.

They are located at a single location in Oldbury, West Midlands of approximately 20,000 square feet.

With over 35 years based in the Midlands they have had continuous growth over this period and have built a reputation for the supply of high quality clothing and safety equipment to meet the needs of its many customers. Part of this reputation has been the flexibility of Provincial Safety Services’ skilled workforce who are able to adapt to the requirements of our customers. It is partially due to this flexibility that the company is able to offer a friendly, reliable service as well as ensure the quality and speed of response that today’s discerning buyers require.

Over the years they have established extremely good relationships with both their customers and suppliers, which have and will continue to be of paramount importance in everything they do.

They can offer our customers the complete range of industrial safety equipment and clothing from head to foot personal protection. They also offer bespoke garments from our own manufacturing facility here in the West Midlands. Providing customers with the option to produce garments to their own specification and design, incorporating clients own logo’s and colours.

They have a very strong support network to provide advise and solutions to any situation that may arise within your work place. Their knowledge and expert advice from the manufacturers will ensure this. Together they will respond in a quick and professional manor. It is important to us that any issues our customers may have are immediately dealt with.

Provincial Safety management has over 100 years’ experience in the PPE sector supplying safety equipment to the UK markets that meets all the accepted safety standards.

Environmental

They take environmental responsibility for our disposal of waste in accordance with Duty of Care Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Local deliveries are made by Provincial Safety Services their vehicles which are regularly maintained, serviced and emission tested. Deliveries further afield are by an international courier who also take environment issues seriously.

Our Founders win prestigious award!

On Monday 7th March our founders Susan and Mark Bates were awarded a “Pride of Birmingham ” award for their work with Balls to Cancer.

The star studded red carpet event was held at the beautiful Great Hall at the Birmingham University.

Susan and Mark were awarded the TSB Community Heroes award. This is a special award that TSB the sponsors of the event choose for someone they believe make a big difference to people’s lives.

The night was hosted by the amazing Kym Marsh and they received their award from Wolves Captain Conor Coady, Birmingham City legend Troy Deeney and the hilarious Comedian Darren Harriott.

Christmas ball 2020 The official photos….

Here are the full set of brilliant official photos from our Christmas ball at the beautiful Grand Station.

We would like to thank the amazing Jassal Studios for another fantastic set of photos really catching the event

You can purchase hard copy photos from Jassal Studios at £10 each you can contact him via his Instagram page here https://t.co/B8t0KN5LGj or email him here info@jassalstudio.co.uk

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Christmas ball 2022

We would love you to join us at our next Christmas ball on Friday the 25th November 2022.

We will again be holding the ball at the beautiful Grand Station in Wolverhampton.

The night will consist of a outstanding three course dinner, fantastic live entertainment and Disco until late.

There will be celebrity guests attending the night who will be happy to have a chat and selfies with you.

Tickets are £55 each or £500 for a table of ten. These prices are early bird prices which will be held until 1st April after that they rise to £65 & £600.

Tickets are available here and for the table of 10 here.

Current list of celebrities…..

Dee Kelly

Annette Badland

Akeem Griffiths

Steve Clamp

Mel Eves

Many more to be added and acts to be confirmed

Join our Balls to Cancer Ladies team with the “Great Big Green Week”

As a club that have recently signed up to the Birmingham County FA Sustainability Pledge we are requesting your support for the forthcoming Great Big Green Week activity (18-26th Sept) organised by the Climate Coalition 

What is the Great Big Green Week?

The Great Big Green Week will take place 18 – 26 September 2021, and will be the largest event for climate and nature ever seen in the UK.

Thousands of events will celebrate how communities are taking action to tackle climate change and protect green spaces, and encourage others to get involved too. 

Our Event – “Pass” on the Car

As one of the largest County FA’s in the country with upwards of 100,000 people involved in grassroots football on a weekly basis we recognise that travel behaviours form a significant part of an individual’s carbon footprint. 

Through our partners at Pledgeball we plan to encourage all those involved in grassroots football clubs across our region to commit to not using the car for all journeys under 2 miles, with those who have signed the pledge leading by example During the week we want as many participants from our active clubs as possible to use alternative ways to travel to football for example; walking, cycling, running, scooter or skateboard! And to record their actions 

The Ask

Over the build up to the week we would like you to encourage your members via your social channels, newsletters, emails and team WhatsApp groups to register at Pledgeball, recording their commitments on your club account and we can then calculate the Co2e savings, creating a league table that will be shared across our socials & website, with prizes on offer to the winners over the week. We can provide text to help with this.