Saccharin, an artificial sweetener dubbed a potential cancer-causing agent in the 1980s, has now been officially declared safe.

Without any fanfare, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday it was dropping the crystalline powder -- widely used in diet soft drinks, chewing gum, juice and toothpaste -- from its list of hazardous substances.

"Saccharin is no longer considered a potential hazard to human health," the EPA said in the announcement.

The sweetener has remained on EPA's list despite a review that cleared it in the late 1990s by the National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

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In April, EPA proposed removing saccharin and its salts from the hazards' list after receiving a request to do so by the Calorie Control Council, an industry group representing the suppliers and makers of low-calorie foods and drinks. It said it received no comments in opposition. Saccharin's removal will reduce the waste management-related reporting that's been required of companies using saccharin in their products.