12.04.12
PureCircle, Chicago, IL, producer and marketer of high purity stevia products, has received the final approval from Health Canada authorizing the use of stevia in foods and beverages in Canada. PureCircle was instrumental in the approval of the natural, no calorie sweetener as a food additive, taking a leadership role to apply and define regulatory approval of steviol glycosides with Health Canada. Prior to its November 30th approval, stevia was only available as a Natural Health Product, and not permitted for use as a food additive in foods and beverages in Canada. The regulation permitting the use of steviol glycosides as a food additive has now been published as a Notice of Modification to the List of Permitted Sweeteners. The modification came into force on November 30th 2012, allowing for sale of products formulated with steviol glycosides immediately.