Steviol Glycoside/Rebaudioside A
The Swiss Health Authority has given the first case of approval to a Sportsdrink manufacturer in August 2008 using Steviol Glycoside in compliance with the JECFA specification.
The joint FAO / WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) approved the safety of Steviol glycoside and allowed the use in foods and beverages since June 2008.
They request a minimum content of 95% of the sum of the seven named Steviol Glycosides (Stevioside, Rebaudioside A, Rebaudioside C, Dulcoside A, Rubusoside, Teviolbioside, Rebaudioside B).
JECFA is considering the revision of the specification to include two additional Steviol Glycosides Rebaudioside D and F.
They established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 4 mg/kg body weight (expressed as Steviol).
The French Food Safety Authority (AFSSA) has approved
on 26. August 2009 Reb A 97% as a food additive at a national level for a period of two years.
The new EU legislation however will no longer be able to authorize a food additive at national level after January 2010.
Steviol Glycosides are not yet approved for use as a sweetener in Europe. The European Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently conducting safety tests. Results are not expected before March 2010 thus the authorization at EU level will not happen before 2011.
The FDA has regarded Rebaudioside A 95% purity or above as safe and is Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) for use in foods and beverages since 2008.
Some beverage companies have launched a few products sweetened with Reb-A.
SanaSweet and ACT are active members of the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) www.sweeteners.org.