Saccharin

Abstract: A detailed report is presented on the assessment of the potential health hazard of saccharin, the oldest non-nutritive sweetener in the American food supply. Criteria for determining the carcinogenicity of saccharin and in-depth analysis of 19 long-term saccharin bioassays lead to the identification of unresolved research questions. Most of the total material presented focuses on a detailed elaboration of 7 charges. The charges are: review current knowledge of direct-acting carcinogens versus tumor promoters for experimental animal bladder cancer; review and evaluate current on-going research on saccharin; evaluate research proposed by the National Center for Toxicological Research; develp protocol outlines to measure mechanisms involved in saccharin's potential carcinogenicity; assess saccharin research activities to minimize unnecessary repetition; assess further mutagenesis research needs for saccharin and its metabolites; and assure coordination of research with saccharin epidemiology studies. Annotated bibliographies are included throughout. (wz).