Natural Latin American Sweetener Gets EU Nod

There is good news for Europeans as the use of the age-old natural South American sweetener, stevia has received regulatory approval.

The European Commission said it gave approval of the natural sweetener for use in the food industry from December 2 on the recommendation of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA).

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Stevia rebaudiana, sometimes known as sweatleaf or sugarleaf, is part of the sunflower family. Its steviol glycoside extracts can be far sweeter than sugar, making it attractive for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar foods.

Stevia is widely used in Asia and South America.

The director of the International Stevia Council welcomed the decision saying that "as a result, consumers across Europe will be able to enjoy products sweetened by steviol glycosides."

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Source-AFP

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