I read actual fact-based information about this, and here is a very-much-simplified summary.
Evidently they isolated DNA from cells that came from one aborted fetus in 1972 and mixed it with DNA from a virus, resulting in a cell that is useful for research. Every cell used since then has been a duplicate; no new ones were created. This cell has been modified in a few different ways making it useful for different types of research. One of these happens to mimic humans' taste receptors, which allowed for the creation of a fake sweetener. Also a fake, no-sodium salt.
The resulting fake sweetener & etc. may or may not be used in any or all of the products on the list. If it is used, it is in such a minute amount that it's not required to be listed. No actual human cells are used in a product. It's just a flavor enhancer developed using this cell *line* (i.e., duplicates of duplicates of duplicates) for research.
ONE fetus. In 1972. At least that's what they say. As everyone knows, no "fact" or resource can be completely trusted.
Anyhow... the way I see it, assuming the information I found is truthful, there are two ways of looking at this. First, some critics say this could lead to more cells derived from more aborted fetuses. I don't think so; science has advanced a lot since 1972 and if a cell is needed there are probably other sources. But that's just my opinion. Second, one might also see the flip side, that at least *some* good came from that one aborted fetus (and it wasn't aborted just for "harvest" anyway) -- regardless of how you feel about flavor enhancers and other artificial products in food, they can be useful for people with strict dietary needs.
It's also important to realize that abortions are not the only cause of terminated human embryos. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a very common practice, and typically results in embryos that are not used. If life begins at conception, that would be considered murder, too. Where do we draw the line? Implantation, perhaps? (Personally, I am very pro-life and don't like IVF, either.) The articles I read state that IVF embryos are another source of human cells for this type of research, since embryonic cells can be developed (somehow?) into any type of human cell needed.
So, bottom line, no human aborted-baby cells in these products, and the flavor enhancers are IMO only marginally unethical. But probably not healthy for us anyway.
Hope this helps.
www.kingdomclaritylabel.com
