Experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have concluded that saccharin is safe for human consumption at an increased daily intake of 5–9mg/kg.
Saccharin has been used to sweeten food and drinks for more than a century — though its use has been controversial as it has been previously linked to an increased incidence of bladder cancer in rat models.
Because of this finding, saccharin's ADI was lowered in 1995, and has remained so until the EFSA's recent ruling.
The food regulator deemed the artificial sweetener safe at higher doses as experts believe that bladder cancer cases post-saccharin intake were specific to male rates, and unapplicable to humans.
The acceptable daily intake (ADI) figure suggested by the regulatory board encompasses saccharin and its sodium, calcium and potassium salts.
According to EFSA, "consumer exposure is below the newly derived ADI, meaning there is no health risk associated with consuming saccharin."
The impact of this ruling on the natural sweetening market
With saccharin now being permitted to be used as a food additive at higher doses, there are potential knock-on effects to the natural sweetener market, explained Udi Alroy, CEO and co-founder of natural sweetener company, CarobWay: "Many people have used saccharin in the past to avoid sugar, but today there are a variety of low-GI alternatives, such as maple, agave, carob and others."
"As consumer awareness shifts away from artificail sweeteners, naturally-sourced sugars are gaining popularity; natural sweeteners align with consumer sentiment and are already part of a growing category driven by consumer preferences."
"While saccharin will still have a place in the market, its growth is expected to be slower due to its after taste. Saccharin has a bitter or metallic aftertaste, especially when used in larger quantities. Therefore, I think the future is still bright for the natural sweetening market." Udi concluded.