The European Commission has authorized the use of steviol glycosides as a non-caloric sweetener in the European market. The International Stevia Council, an authoritative voice for the stevia industry, applauded the final approval. “The final hurdle in the regulatory process for steviol glycosides—the scrutiny of the regulation by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers—has been cleared,” said Maria Teresa Scardigli, the council’s executive director.

Leading global food safety experts, including the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have established that steviol glycosides are safe for all populations to consume and steviol glycosides are suitable sweetening options for people with diabetes.

“This is a major step forward for consumer choice in Europe,” said Carl Horn, president of the International Stevia Council. “Steviol glycosides are derived from a natural source, the stevia plant, and are zero-calorie. These two characteristics are key attributes for consumers searching for ‘better for me’ products in their efforts to lead healthier lifestyles and manage weight. In the coming weeks and months, consumers will begin to see new products sweetened with stevia appearing on the shelves in European supermarkets. This will include a wide range of goods, including yogurts, cereals, beverages, soft drinks, confectionery, chocolate and table top sweeteners.”