saccharin

Basic Information

Field	Content
Chinese name	saccharin
English name	saccharin
INS/E number	INS 954
Functional class	Artificial sweetener
Year adopted	1958
Approved by	Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA)

What is it?

Saccharin (o-sulfobenzoic imide, commonly used as its sodium salt) is the oldest synthetic high-intensity sweetener, about 300–500 times sweeter than sucrose and non-caloric.

Source

Industrial：由邻甲苯磺酰胺经氧化、闭环等化学合成制得

Why is it used?

• Very high-intensity, non-caloric sweetness
• Blends with cyclamates to improve taste
• Non-glycaemic and non-cariogenic, suited to sugar-free foods
• Heat-stable for beverages and cans
• Very low cost

Common Foods

• Sugar-free beverages
• Table-top sweeteners
• Candied fruit and jams
• Chewing gum
• Low-calorie pickled foods
• Pharmaceutical coatings

Safety

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：0–5 mg/kg bw

Concerns：

• 早期大鼠膀胱癌争议已被否定，但部分人对其后味敏感
• 高剂量下动物实验曾现膀胱癌（种属特异）
• 苯丙酮尿症等患者须注意复配

Usage Standard

China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》；GB 1886.18 食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂 糖精钠

International：

• EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex II (E 954)
• FDA 21 CFR 172.708
• Delisted warning requirement removed 2000
• Codex GSFA (INS 954)
• FSANZ Food Standards Code (954)
• JECFA Monograph (Saccharin)

In a nutshell

Saccharin is the oldest synthetic non-caloric high-intensity sweetener, re-affirmed as safe and widely used in sugar-free foods.

Consumer Advice

Saccharin is an artificial high-intensity sweetener about 300-500 times sweeter than sugar, with almost no calories. It is found in diet drinks, tabletop sweeteners, and low-sugar foods. Early concerns about cancer risk were reviewed by major regulators (JECFA, FDA), which concluded it is safe within the acceptable daily intake. People allergic to sulfonamides should use saccharin-containing products with caution.

Dietary Restrictions

• Vegan: ✅
• Halal: ✅
• Kosher: ✅

Allergens

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.