The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a pivotal re-evaluation of saccharin and its salts (E 954), reaffirming their safety and increasing the acceptable daily intake (ADI) from 5 mg to 9 mg per kilogram of body weight/ day. This decision marks a significant shift, dispelling decades-old concerns about saccharin’s potential cancer risks and offering new opportunities for its use in food and beverage reformulations.
Key Takeaways from EFSA’s Re-Evaluation
1. Saccharin’s Safety Confirmed
EFSA’s experts concluded that saccharin does not cause DNA damage and is not linked to cancer in humans. Earlier concerns based on animal studies—particularly bladder cancer in male rats—were deemed irrelevant to human physiology.
2. Comprehensive Data Review
The evaluation included a rigorous analysis of short- and long-term health effects, ranging from reproductive health to potential carcinogenicity. All findings supported saccharin’s continued use as a safe non-caloric sweetener.
3. Increased ADI and Industry Implications
The increased ADI allows for greater flexibility in product formulations, enabling manufacturers to use saccharin more effectively in reducing sugar and calorie content, aligning with global health objectives to combat obesity and non-communicable diseases like diabetes.
4. Consumer Impact and Market Opportunities
Saccharin has been a trusted ingredient in foods and beverages for over a century. This latest assessment reaffirms its position as a key tool for sugar reduction, appealing to consumers seeking healthier, lower-calorie and sugar-free options.
5. Ongoing Scrutiny
While saccharin’s safety has been upheld, artificial sweeteners as a category continue to face scrutiny regarding their potential long-term health impacts, such as effects on cardiovascular health. More research is being called for in this area. This update is especially relevant for food manufacturers and public health advocates, as it supports saccharin’s role in product reformulation to create healthier food environments. It also aligns with broader initiatives to address global health challenges like obesity and diabetes.
The Bigger Picture: Implications for Public Health and the Industry
The EFSA’s re-evaluation strengthens saccharin’s role in addressing global health challenges. With rising rates of obesity and diabetes, artificial sweeteners like saccharin are critical tools in reducing sugar intake on a mass scale. However, balancing consumer preferences for natural ingredients with the affordability and functionality of artificial options will shape the industry’s next steps.
As the sweetener market continues to evolve, EFSA’s findings underscore the importance of rigorous, science-based assessments in shaping food regulations and public health strategies. Whether saccharin can reclaim its prominence or remain overshadowed by the natural sweetener trend is a story to watch.
Looking Ahead
This milestone ruling offers a fresh perspective on saccharin’s safety and potential. However, the ongoing “sweetener wars” between artificial and natural options will continue to influence consumer choices and industry innovation.
Stay tuned as the sweetener landscape evolves with new research, regulations, and market trends.
For more information on saccharin
For EFSA’s summary. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/saccharin-safety-threshold-increased
For EFSA’s full report, “Re-evaluation of saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts (E 954) as food additives,”
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9044
International Sweeteners Association statement https://www.sweeteners.org/efsa-opinion-re-confirms-confidence-in-saccharin/
Calorie Control Council https://caloriecontrol.org/european-safety-authority-reaffirms-safety-of-saccharin-increases-acceptable-daily-intake/
