Sweetener saccharin can now be used more widely

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has re-evaluated the sweetener saccharin. This has resulted in an increase in the acceptable daily intake (ADI) from 5 to 9 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. The substance has once again been deemed safe for human consumption.

New insights into potential risks

The previous limit, set in 1995, was based on animal studies that observed bladder tumors in rats. Scientists have now concluded that these tumors are specific to male rats and do not pose a relevant risk to humans. Furthermore, recent data confirms that saccharin does not cause DNA damage and is unlikely to be linked to an increased cancer risk.

Safe within the new standard

Another key outcome of EFSA’s assessment is that consumer exposure to saccharin remains within the newly established higher limit. This means there are no health risks associated with its current use in foods and beverages. The increased ADI also applies to saccharin salts, which are commonly used because they dissolve better in water.

Re-evaluating food additives

The revision of saccharin standards is part of a broader evaluation of food additives that were approved for use in the European Union before January 2009. These mandatory re-assessments ensure that additive safety stays up to date, giving consumers confidence in their choices.

Efsa.europa.eu