Stevia Authorized as Food Additive in Canada

CHICAGOStevia producer PureCircle received final approval from Health Canada authorizing stevia's use in foods and beverages in Canada on Nov. 31. Previously, the natural sweetener was only available as a Natural Health Product, and was not an approved food additive. The approval comes as 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 August, the company received U.S. patent protection for its new commercially cultivated stevia leaf.