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Stevia Regulation in Europe

For Food Applications

To date, only Switzerland and France have granted authorisation to use Stevia by-products in foods.

Use of Stevia in Europe

 

As for the other European countries, EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) is in the process of conducting an evaluation.
EFSA has published a positive opinion regarding the use of stevia extracts (JECFA standards: 95% minimum steviol glycosides in April 2010).

› Click here to read our page on International Regulation

A European authorization of the use of stevia in foodstuff should therefore follow in the last trimester 2011.

In January 2011, EFSA has issued a second opinion with updated recommendations on maximum dosage in food and beverages.

 › Click here to read the full EFSA document (January 2011)

 

Use of Stevia in France
 

Following a positive endorsement from French Food Safety Agency AFSSA back on June 19, 2009 an initial ministerial decree governing the use of Stevia extract was published on August 26, 2009.

› Click here to read the initial version of the regulatory decree on the use of Stevia in foods

This decree sets out a clear definition of the authorised use of a Stevia extract :

  • The only Stevia extract authorised for food applications is 97% purified REBAUDIOSIDE A.
  • The regulation also imposes extremely low levels of residual solvents. (Methanol<10 ppm, Ethanol<200 ppm)

 

Since then, a new decree was issued on January 8, 2010 which modified the terms of use of rebaudioside A in France, including notably:

  • Use of rebaudioside A as a table sweetener is now authorised
  • Maximum usage limits for several foodstuffs have been modified
  • Values of residual solvents were raised (Methanol<200 ppm , Ethanol<5000 ppm)

› Click here to read the January 8 version of the regulatory decree on the use of Stevia in foods

 As soon as the European Regulation will be in effect, it will be applicable in France too.

 

Use of Stevia in Switzerland

 

Prior authorisation from the BAG (BundesAmt für Gesundheit) is required before a new finished product is placed on the market.

 

For Pharmaceutical Applications

 Stevia extracts comply with JECFA recommendations and can be used as excipients (taste, masking, sweeteners) in Pharmaceutical products.

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For Animal Feed Applications

 Stevia extract are authorized as additives in Animal Feed as flavouring agent and palatant enhancer (2.B category) from natural origin.

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For Cosmetic Applications

 Stevia extract can be used in Cosmetic formulations.

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