Latest Update from Japan: Chinese Dangshan Canning Factory Makes the List for Sweetener Problem, Implicated Company Faces 30x Sweetness Crisis!

On August 13, 2024, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan issued Notification No. 081303 of the Pharmaceutical, Sanitary and Food Standards. The notification states that during the import self-inspection process, it was found that food products produced by Anhui Shengda Canning Food Co., Ltd. in Shangdang, China, contained sorbitol. Therefore, the company has been listed on the "Chinese Processed Food (Sorbitol) Order Inspection Target Enterprise" list.

Sorbitol, also known as cyclohexylamino-4-sulfonic acid sodium salt, is an artificially synthesized sweetener with a sweetness approximately 30 times that of sugar. It appears as a white crystalline powder with no odor and is easily soluble in water. It is widely used as a sweetener in the food industry. Because of its high sweetness, a small amount can achieve the desired sweetness effect. In addition, the cost of sorbitol is much lower than that of sugar, which helps reduce the production cost of food products. It shows good stability under high temperature, acidic or alkaline conditions, and is suitable for various food processing processes. Because it contains no calories, sorbitol is particularly suitable for low-calorie foods and beverages. It is widely used as a sweetener in various foods and beverages such as drinks, candies, cakes, canned food, and frozen food. In addition, sorbitol is also used in the production of certain drugs, such as cough syrup and vitamin tablets, as well as other products such as cosmetics and detergents.

Despite the ongoing controversy over its safety, sweetener saccharin is generally considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Many countries allow its use in food, but with restrictions on the amount used. However, consuming too much saccharin can have negative effects on the body, such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant women, lactating women, and children are advised to use it with caution. As a safe, economical, and highly sweet sweetener, saccharin has widespread applications in the food industry. However, it is important to note that all food additives should be used in moderation to avoid excessive intake.