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From the book SAFE FOOD by Michael F. Jacobson, Ph.D, Lisa
Lefferts and Anne Garland
"Acesulfame K, sold commercially as Sunette or Sweet One, was approved by
the FDA in 1988 as a sugar substitute in packet or tablet form, in
chewing gum, dry mixes for beverages, instant coffee and tea, gelatin
desserts, puddings and nondairy creamers. The manufacturer has asked the
FDA to approve acesulfame K for soft drinks and baked goods.
The public is waiting for an artificial sweetener that is unquestionably
safe. But this one isn't it. Even compared to aspartame and saccharin
(which are afflicted with their own safety publems - see below),
acesulfame K is the worst. The additive is inadequately tested, the FDA
based its approval on tests of acesulfame K that fell short of the FDA's
own standards. But even those tests indicate that the additive causes
cancer in animals, which means it may increase cancer risk in humans. In
l987, CSPI urged the FDA not to approve acesulfame K, but was ignored.
After the FDA gave the chemical its blessing, CSPI urged that iat be
banned. The FDA hasn't yet ruled on that request."
From CSPI's web page:
... acetoacetamide, a breakdown
product, has been shown to affect the thyroid in
rats, rabbits, and dogs. Administration of 1% and
5% acetoacetamide in the diet for three months
caused benign thyroid tumors in rats. The rapid
appearance of tumors raises serious questions about
the chemicalŐs carcinogenic potency."
Quotes From Scientists
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