Category: Food > Sweeteners
One of the most surprising historical food facts involves the ingredient known as "saccharin," an artificial sweetener that was discovered in 1879. Initially celebrated for its ability to provide sweetness without calories, saccharin faced significant scrutiny in the early 20th century. In the 1970s, it was banned in the United States due to studies linking it to bladder cancer in laboratory rats. This ban sparked considerable public outcry and debate over food safety, leading to a temporary removal from the market. However, further research eventually cleared saccharin of direct links to cancer in humans, and by 2000, the ban was lifted. Today, saccharin is used in various low-calorie and sugar-free products, showcasing how food safety regulations can evolve with new scientific understanding.