Patiala News: What is Saccharin? Synthetic sweetener in cake that claimed girl's life

Patiala. It is very common to order a cake to celebrate some occasion, but the incident reported from Punjab’s Patiala a few days back shook the nation, when a 10-year-old girl died after consuming cake on her birthday. 

According to the sources, a high level of synthetic sweetener called Saccharin was found in the cake samples that were collected from the bakery after the incident. The health official said that four samples were taken from the bakery after the girl died.

The district health official, Dr Vijay Jindal informed that out of four samples, two of them found with a high content of an artificial sweetener. Saccharin, an artificial sweetener is commonly used as a sugar substitute, but if used in excessive quantities can cause an upset stomach.

The investigation also revealed that the cake was consumed by the birthday girl and her sister and they both got unwell the same night. The reports of the victim’s sister are yet awaited. 

The health official said that based on the findings of the report, the court will be informed. Meanwhile, the case has been lodged in connection with the case after the family’s complaint.

What is Saccharin, is it approved by FSSAI?

Saccharin is an artificial sweetener and is safe for human consumption. It is one of the oldest artificial sweeteners on the market but experts believe that it's harmful if consumed in large quantities. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Saccharin sodium is being used in beverages like fruit juices, mixes, and bases, as a sugar substitute in cooking and serving, processed foods. 

Currently, FSSAI has approved six artificial sweeteners, namely saccharin sodium, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, and isomaltulose for use in food.