European Commission Gives Stevia the Green Light

BRUSSELSThe European Commission on Nov. 11 formally adopted the regulation to allow the use of steviol glycosides as a sweetener for foods and beverages in the 27 member states. The regulation, which was published Nov. 12 in the EU Official Journal, becomes effective Dec. 2.

The long-awaited final approval is good news to stevia marketers worldwide. The international market for stevia grew 27% in 2010 to $285 million and is predicted to reach $825 million by 2014, according to food and drink consultancy Zenith International. The report estimated total volume will reach 11,000 metric tons by 2014.

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) previously established that steviol glycosides are safe for all populations to consume and steviol glycosides are a suitable sweetening options for people with diabetes.

The final hurdle in the regulatory process for steviol glycosidesthe scrutiny of the regulation by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministershas been cleared," said International Stevia Council Executive Director Maria Teresa Scardigli.