مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Saccharin as Substitute Goods in Ottoman State

Abstract :

Constantin Fahlberg invented saccharin during the end of 1870’s. Saccharin was a product that it has strong sweetening power. Potential to sugar substitute and support of German government were provided to enlarge its market rapidly. But due to its chemical origin, some medical concerns were shown towards this product. Some doctors thought that usage of saccharin caused health problems. Due to these medical concerns, many European governments banned or restricted the entrance of this product to their countries. Fahlberg thought that his product did not deserve these critiques. According to him, critiques were originated from shaken interests of sugar industry. Near to 1900’s, saccharin also entered Ottoman market. Similarly, it was also criticized by Ottoman doctors. In front of this situation, approach of Ottoman State towards saccharin happened within three stages. In the first stage, Ottoman officials did not foresee a risky situation for the usage of saccharin as a substitute for sugar. Because saccharin is a chemical drug for diabetes disease and sugar prices were very convenient. As to second stage, critiques to saccharin were taken into account. High sugar prices of this period were caused some probable risks of food fraud according to officials. Additionally, medical studies of the period provided more information about probable risks of saccharin. As a result of this situation, Ottoman State applied quantitative restrictions in saccharin import. In addition, the product could be only brought by pharmacists. Third period of saccharin in Ottoman State happened within compelling conditions of World War I. After extreme increases in sugar prices; there was an excessive demand for illegal usage of saccharin, because sugar almost disappeared from market. In front of this situation, official permission was given to saccharin usage with some restrictions.