E954

E954 = Saccharine

E954 is a food additive approved by the EU (European Union). It is used as a synthetic sweetener in food and drink products.

The common name for E954 is saccharine.

It is stable at high temperatures and therefore suitable for use in cooking, such as bakery products. However, E954 originates from a known carcinogen, toluene. (Toluene is also found in cigarettes.) As it is thought to be potentially carcinogenic, E954 is banned in the United States.

Although it has no food energy value, E954 may trigger the release of the hormone insulin, an effect that it is important to be aware of when managing the condition diabetes. See also diabetes in the news.

Examples of food and drink products that sometimes include E954:

• soft drinks
• medicine
• sweets
• toothpaste

Note⁽¹⁾ The list of Food Additives (E Numbers) included in this section is subject to change as chemicals are added or removed by regulatory authorities. This list may not be complete or and some details might not be up to date.

Note⁽²⁾ These numbers are also used in Australia and New Zealand but without the E.

Government approvals and other regulatory details are subject to change.

Regulatory approvals and advice can change.

This was added in July 2008. For current details please check with the relevant authorities.