sentences:  The weight of existing scientific evidence indicates that aspartame is safe as a non-nutritive sweetener.The controversy over aspartame safety originated in perceived irregularities in the aspartame approval process during the 1970s and early 1980s, including allegations of a revolving door relationship between regulators and industry and claims that aspartame producer G.D. Searle had withheld and falsified safety data.In 1996, the controversy reached a wider audience with a "60 Minutes" report that discussed criticisms of the FDA approval process and concerns that aspartame could cause brain tumors in humans.