The Nation - News from Nov. 8, 1985

Saccharin, an artificial sweetener that the Food and Drug Administration tried to ban because studies linked it to bladder cancer in rats, appears to be safe for use by humans, the American Medical Assn. said. Numerous studies on several other species, including humans, have shown no link between saccharin and cancer of any kind, the AMA’s Council on Scientific Affairs concluded. The council reported in the AMA Journal that saccharin should continue to be available. However, the report urged careful consideration of use by children and pregnant women, monitoring for possible adverse health effects, and a continued search for an “ideal” sweetener. The council concluded that consumers should use a wide range of sweeteners to minimize exposure to any one.