EU approval of Steviol Glycosides

Good news reached our office on Friday the 11th of November !! The European Parliament gave its green light for the sales and usage of “Steviol Glycosides” within the European Union. This all has been laid down in a new EC regulation (being no. 1131/2011), which came into force on the 2nd of December 2011. This means that you can now use various Stevia extracts in your recipes.

We are very pleased that our high expectations finally became reality and we trust that you will also discover all the benefits of this beautiful product !

In the near future many producers will follow this new trend and will sell Stevia-based products. We would be very happy to support you in your search for the right application of this sweetener. Please also bear in mind that the next generation Stevia extracts is about to follow, of which the technical level will be even more advanced. However, these extracts still need to be approved first. 

Recent developments:            
- On the 11th of November 2011, the European Parliament has decided to approve the sales and use of all Steviol Glycosides in the European Union as per 02.12.2011 !! 

To view the Official Journal, please go to: EUR-Lex
"Commission Regulation (EU) no. 1131/2011 of 11 November 2011 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to steviol glycosides".                
        
- In 2010 the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) stated that Steviol glycosides with a minimal purity of 95% can be safely used as a food additive.

- In 2008 the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) granted the Rebaudioside-A 
component GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status.