sweetener INS 954

Saccharin E954

artificial — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one 1,1-dioxide

CAS: 81-07-2

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Saccharin is also used in cosmetics, medicine, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~8 packets of Sweet'N Low in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Saccharin is fully synthetic — it doesn't exist in nature and is manufactured entirely through chemical processes.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category (80-500 mg/kg typical) mg/kg

Maximum levels specified for different food categories

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved Approved food additive

Removed from carcinogen list in 2000; considered safe

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved with maximum use levels

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–5 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

5 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~8 of packets of Sweet'N Low

~36mg per serving

~7 of cans of diet soda (355ml)

~40mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Synthesized from toluene through oxidation and reaction with ammonia. Modern production uses the Remsen-Fahlberg process developed in the late 1800s.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Flavoring agent in toothpaste and mouthwash

Medical

Sweetener in liquid medications and chewable tablets

Household

Tabletop sweetener (Sweet'N Low pink packets)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saccharin (E954)?

Saccharin (E954) is a sweetener used in food products. It is artificial and synthetic. The oldest artificial sweetener, discovered in 1879. About 300-500 times sweeter than sucrose. May have a bitter or metallic aftertaste, especially at high concentrations.

What is the ADI for Saccharin?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Saccharin is 0–5 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Saccharin?

Saccharin is used in various food categories including Other non-alcoholic beverages, Other confectionery. It is used as a sweetener in these products.

Is Saccharin the same as Sweet'N Low?

Yes, Saccharin is also known as Sweet'N Low, Sodium saccharin, Calcium saccharin. These are different names for the same substance.