Health Canada OKs Steviol Glycosides

CHICAGOPureCircle has received final approval from Health Canada authorizing the companys stevia for use in foods and beverages in Canada. Previously, the natural sweetener was only available as a Natural Health Product, and was not an approved food additive. The Nov. 30 approval was a result of research proving the safety and efficacy of steviol glycosides as a sweetener.

After two years of working with Health Canada and other industry members, were happy to welcome stevias approval.  Stevia will play an important role in addressing consumer interest in lower calorie products and natural ingredients, as well as to help offset rising commodity costs for our customers," said Sidd Purkayastha, vice president business development and regulatory affairs, PureCircle.

In Canada, steviol glycosides can be used in a wide range of categories, including beverages, breakfast cereals, bakery products, desserts, fruit and nut spreads, confectionery, and table-top sweeteners.

PureCircle and our customers have been preparing for some time in anticipation of Canadian approval. Our entire line of stevia ingredients, including Stevia 3.0--our most recent innovative approach to formulation development, fully meets Canada specifications. With our portfolio of solutions and unmatched expertise, PureCircle is fully prepared for an exciting stage of stevia development in Canada," states Jason Hecker, VP Global Marketing and Innovation, PureCircle Limited.