The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a report this Friday that concludes that saccharin is safe for human consumption and, therefore, has decided to increase the acceptable daily intake (ADI) 5 to 9 mg/kg body weight per daythus changing the limit established in 1995.
The above ADI was established based on the increased incidence of bladder tumors observed in rat studies. However, they state that “there is now scientific agreement that these tumors are specific to male rats and not relevant to humans«.
Furthermore, to make this decision, EFSA experts have reviewed all the available data and have concluded that “it is unlikely” that its consumption is associated with the risk of cancer in humans. Furthermore, they point out that current consumption is below the newly updated recommended daily intake, meaning there is no health risk.
This re-evaluation is part of wider work to review the safety of all food additives whose use in food was permitted before 20 January 2009, as required by the EU Regulation.
What is saccharin?
In their report they recall that saccharins (E 954) are authorized as food additives in the European Union. This product has been used to sweeten foods and beverages for over 100 years, and It became popular as a sugar substitute in the 1960s and 1970s..
Saccharin salts are used because they dissolve better in water, making them easier to add to foods and drinks and can make them sweeter. And, therefore, they point out that “as with all food additives, saccharin and its salts must appear on product labels, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.”
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