01.01.13
Health Canada has authorized the use of stevia in food and beverages. Previously, the natural, zero-calorie sweetener was only available within natural health product applications. This approval means consumers across Canada will have access to a range of stevia-sweetened products similar to those already available in the U.S. and EU.
GLG Life Tech Corporation, Vancouver, British Columbia, a stevia supplier that has worked with numerous Canadian companies to incorporate stevia in the product development process, reported a significant increase in projects using stevia over the last several months in anticipation of Health Canada’s approval. Although numerous companies have been working proactively with the ingredient prior to this notice, the approval provides the confidence required for many of these organizations to invest in further research and development and formulation work, and expedite current projects.
PureCircle, Oak Brook, IL, a leading producer and marketer of high purity stevia products, welcomed the stevia approval. “After two years of working with Health Canada and other industry members, we’re happy to welcome stevia’s approval,” commented Sidd Purkayastha, vice president of business development and regulatory affairs. “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.”
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 Nov. 30, 2012, the day of publication allowing for sale of products formulated with steviol glycosides. Products sweetened with stevia are increasingly being launched around the world, from beverages to dairy to confections. Stevia has been approved in most major markets, and is met with growing consumer awareness. 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.
GLG Life Tech Corporation, Vancouver, British Columbia, a stevia supplier that has worked with numerous Canadian companies to incorporate stevia in the product development process, reported a significant increase in projects using stevia over the last several months in anticipation of Health Canada’s approval. Although numerous companies have been working proactively with the ingredient prior to this notice, the approval provides the confidence required for many of these organizations to invest in further research and development and formulation work, and expedite current projects.
PureCircle, Oak Brook, IL, a leading producer and marketer of high purity stevia products, welcomed the stevia approval. “After two years of working with Health Canada and other industry members, we’re happy to welcome stevia’s approval,” commented Sidd Purkayastha, vice president of business development and regulatory affairs. “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.”
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 Nov. 30, 2012, the day of publication allowing for sale of products formulated with steviol glycosides. Products sweetened with stevia are increasingly being launched around the world, from beverages to dairy to confections. Stevia has been approved in most major markets, and is met with growing consumer awareness. 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.
