Global Stevia Institute

The International Stevia Council applauds the final approval of the European Commission’s Regulation to authorize the use of steviol glycosides as a non-caloric sweetener in the European market. The regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Commission on 11 November 2011 and announced on 14 Novemeber 2011. As a result, consumers across Europe will be able to enjoy products sweetened by steviol glycosides as early as 2 December 2011.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted all the proposed draft maximum levels for steviol glycosides as submitted for adoption by the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA). The CAC official report will be issued after the end of the meeting on July 9th.

The Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health has recommended the approval of high purity stevia for use as a food ingredient throughout the European Union at its meeting held on 4 July 2011. Carl Horn, President of the International Stevia Council, said: “Today’s 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״.

The International Stevia Council (ISC) announced today the launch of an independent Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) for stevia products. The program's aim is to address the challenge of ensuring that analytical methods and standards employed throughout the industry are appropriate and also meet minimum levels of accuracy when measuring steviol glycoside content.