Stevia Gains Ground in the EU

BRUSSELS, BelgiumThe use of stevia in the European market is one step closer to being a reality. The EUs Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health has given the nod to the use of steviol glycosides as a sweetener for foods and beverages in the European market. Next, the European Parliament will conduct its review of the regulation. According to a press release from GLG Life Tech Corporation, a European Commission representative told delegates at the Stevia 2011 Conference in London that stevia is on schedule for sanction by the end of this year.

Dr. Luke Zhang, Chairman and CEO of GLG Life Tech, said: "The recent announcement by the standing committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on the Commission Regulation to authorize the use of steviol glycosides marks a significant move forward in approving the use of this all-natural, zero calorie sweetener in the European market. With the formal approval of stevia in France two years ago, a positive vote in November will mean that we'll be that much closer to bringing our all natural, zero calorie stevia based sweetener solutions to European consumers."  

Carl Horn, President of the International Stevia Council, also commented on the news: Todays vote of the Standing Committee on the authorization of the use of steviol glycosides in foods and drinks brings this calorie-free naturally sourced sweetness one step closer to all consumers in  Europe, not just those in France where steviol glycosides were approved for use in food nearly two years ago."
PureCircle also applauded the progess stevia made in the EU. This is an important milestone on the path to securing approval for high purity stevia in the important EU market," said  Magomet Malsagov, CEO. We know that there is strong consumer and Food and Beverage demand for stevia in Europe. We look forward to being allowed to supply that demand before the end of 2011."

Further, the company noted that it has been actively preparing its customers for launches throughout the EU."