Sweeteners in Animal Nutrition - Moving beyond Sodium Saccharin

Authors: Jo?lle Faugeron and Mario Román , ADM animal nutrition

The evolution of sweeteners in animal nutrition has accelerated due to recent changes to animal feed regulations in the EU. This is calling for saccharin-free solutions and the anticipation of those changes has been a catalyst to groundbreaking innovations further advancing the functional benefits of sweeteners within the ADM portfolio.

Benefits of Sweeteners in Animal Nutrition

Sweeteners are a type of feed additive commonly used in animal nutrition, to improve the taste, and, subsequently, the overall palatability of feeds and supplements.

Sweeteners not only provide a sweet taste but also help to mask unpalatable ingredients that can ?decrease feed intake. They are especially beneficial when added to young animals’ diets, where an adequate?feed intake is crucial for future growth and development.

The focus on high-intensity sweeteners in animal feed production is driven by the need for effective, stable, and economical solutions that improve feed palatability and intake without compromising the nutritional balance and health of the animals.

For more than half a century, sodium saccharin has been the quintessential sweetener for the industry. However, the days of “E954”, are numbered.

Sodium Saccharin: a Sulphureous Molecule

Saccharin is the oldest artificial sweetener used in animal nutrition. It was discovered in 1879 by Ira Remsen and Constantin Fahlberg at the?Johns-Hopkins University in the Unites States while working on coal tar derivatives. One evening Fahlberg accidently realized the characteristic intense sweet taste of the molecule, known as benzoic sulfimide, on his hand.

Although saccharin production started only two years after its discovery, it is World War I that spread its popularity globally as it was used to substitute sugar which was scarce.

About 500 times sweeter than sucrose, it has no nutritional value. The form used as artificial sweetener is mostly its sodium salt, while the calcium salt may be used by people restricting their sodium intake. Once ingested, saccharin is neither digested nor altered by any metabolic changes in the digestive tract and hence is excreted intact.

The molecule is? approved in most countries, and used in a lot of applications such as drinks, candies, tobacco products, medicine, toothpaste, animal feed, etc. However it has always stirred a lot of controversy. Many times accused of being harmful to human health, extensive research was done to assess its safety.

When the Main Benefit Turns into the Main Flaw

Saccharin may be produced in different ways, starting from toluene, o-chlorotoluene or methyl anthranilate for example. It is artificial, meaning that it is not naturally found in nature. It can only be obtained by chemical synthesis.

The product, appearing in the form of a white powder, is heat-stable and does not react to other food ingredients which makes it easy to store and to use. Sodium saccharin is indeed stable, really stable. Too stable maybe?

The latest evaluation led by EFSA in 2021 for the reauthorization of sodium saccharin in animal nutrition in the ?EU raised concerns ?with regards to the safety for the environment. Tests showed that sodium saccharin does not degrade under anaerobic conditions, and that its use in livestock showed a risk of accumulation in groundwater.

Sodium Saccharin Regulatory Evolution: The End of an Era.

On 20 June 2024, the European Commission published the Regulation (EU) 2024/1727 implementing the withdrawal of several feed additives from the EU market, including sodium saccharin. The regulation ?came into force on 11 July 2024.

Sodium saccharin, previously authorized for use in piglets of up to 4 months of age at a maximum concentration of 150ppm in final feed, will be withdrawn due to concerns about ?long-term accumulation in ground water.

The following transition periods have been defined for saccharin containing products:

• Current stocks of sodium saccharin may be included into premixtures or compound feed until July 11, 2025.
• Premixtures containing sodium saccharin can be marketed and utilized until October 11, 2025.
• The deadline for the use of saccharin-containing compound feed is July 11, 2026.

Learn more about the withdrawal of sodium saccharin from the EU market and find the official information here.

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ADM’s Saccharin-free Sweetener Portfolio: Fit for the Future

The group′s feed additives team has closely monitored the development of the European regulatory framework, and is getting ready for the turning point that this new regulation on saccharin represents.

ADM animal nutrition offers a variety of saccharin-free high-intensity sweeteners, containing stevia and monk fruit, among other naturally derived ingredients. In addition, multifunctional palatants combining saccharin-free sweeteners and popular flavor tonalities, such as vanilla or red fruits, are available.

This next generation of sweeteners has been developed in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, using the latest technologies and innovations. This scientific work paved the way for sweeteners optimized for the activation of sweet taste receptors in pigs.

Innovative Sweeteners Aligned with Regulatory Standards

ADM's commitment to innovation in animal nutrition is exemplified by the development of a saccharin-free sweeteners portfolio. These new formulations not only maintain the palatability of animal feed but also support the nutritional needs and health of animals.

This forward-thinking approach positions ADM at the forefront of the industry, offering solutions that are fit for the future and aligned with regulatory standards.

Where to find out more information

To learn more about ADM saccharin-free solutions and the science behind it, connect with the Palatants Team or your local sales representative. [email protected]

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