Stevia receives final approval for use in Canada

Dec. 4, 2012 – Stevia has received final approval for use as a food additive in Canada.

Dec. 4, 2012 – Stevia has received final approval for use in Canada.

Prior to its approval on Nov. 30, stevia was only available as a natural health product, and not permitted for use as a food additive in foods and beverages in Canada. The food additive approval follows Health Canada’s evaluation of the extensive data supporting the safety and efficacy of steviol glycosides as a sweetener for food and beverages.

“Stevia will play an important role in addressing consumer interest in lower calorie products and natural ingredients,” said Sidd Purkayastha, PureCircle Limited's vice-president business development and regulatory affairs, in a press release.

Cargill and PureCircle both submitted data to Health Canada leading up to the approval.

The regulation permitting the use of steviol glycosides as a food additive has now been published as a Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Sweeteners. The modification came into force on Nov. 30, the day of publication allowing for sale of products formulated with steviol glycosides immediately.

Food and Beverages sweetened with stevia are increasingly being launched around the world, from beverages to dairy to confections. Stevia has been approved in most major markets, and is met with growing consumer awareness. In Canada, steviol glycosides can be used in a wide range of categories, including beverages, breakfast cereals, bakery products, desserts, fruit and nut spreads, confectionary, and table-top sweeteners.