The patent for aspartame is now online, and it reveals how the artificial sweetener is made. Genetically modified E. coli bacteria are cultivated in tanks. They defecate proteins that contain aspartic acid-phenylalanine amino acid segments. That feces is collected and then treated through many chemical processes including methylation, which adds the toxic alcohol, methanol, to the mix.That's how aspartame is made. It might be time to rethink diet foods as healthy options. The Resident (aka Lori Harfenist) discusses.