Saccharin

Also known as: Sweet'N Low, E954

Artificial sweetener · E954

Regulatory Status

United States (FDA)

Approved

FDA-approved. Was briefly labeled with cancer warning (1977-2000) based on rat studies; warning removed after human studies showed no risk.

European Union (EFSA)

Approved

Approved in EU with ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight/day.

Safety Profile

The original artificial sweetener scare story. Rat studies in the 1970s caused a cancer warning label that lasted 23 years before being removed. Human studies found no cancer risk.

Health Concerns

  • Historical cancer scare (rat bladder tumors — mechanism not relevant to humans)
  • Bitter aftertaste at high concentrations

Commonly Found In

Tabletop sweetenerDiet beveragesPharmaceuticalsToothpaste

Sources: FDA Substances Added to Food, EFSA opinions, EU Regulation 1333/2008, IARC monographs

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.