Prior to 1981, many questions had been raised about the scientific integrity of Searle, the company producing aspartame. The FDA was concerned that Searle had failed to submit important information, such as the possible link between brain tumors and aspartame in animal studies. In a recently published medical journal article, Dr. H.J. Roberts points out that since aspartame was introduced, there has been an enormous increase in the incidence of brain cancer in the United States, especially in children. He is the author of the book Aspartame (Nutrasweet): Is it Safe?

The history of the FDA approval process for this substance raises many questions about possible conflicts of interest. Suffice to say no less than 10 officials involved in the approval process took jobs with aspartame-related companies, soon after leaving their governmental posts.

In 1987, the Aspartame Consumer Safety Network was founded. They have put together a series of articles in a spiral-bound book called The Deadly Deception: Aspartame.