What is Stevia?

Stevia Farm

What is the difference between Stevia and other sweeteners?

In the US, some stevia products are Generally Recognized As Safe, and have received this status via self-affirmation and / or “letters of no objection” from the FDA.
Letters of No Objection have been granted on a variety of stevia extracts but it is supplier dependant (each supplier receives separate affirmation).

(FDA Letters of No Objection #GRN000303 & #GRN000304):

Sunwin Stevia – Reb-A 98
Sunwin Stevia – Reb-A 95
Sunwin Stevia – Reb-A 80/95% Steviol Glycosides
Sunwin Stevia – Reb-A 60/95% Steviol Glycosides
GRAS Determinations are rigorous scientific assessments: completed through third party qualified experts who evaluate the product and the process.
Quality and quantity of scientific documentation needed is equivalent to that required for Food Additives Safety determination - same safety standard applies.
It is important to relate the source and purity of subject material to available safety testing / documentation.
The Sunwin Stevia portfolio also meets the FAO/WHO’s JECFA and the EFSA’s standards for the safe use of stevia in foods and beverages.
Read the JOINT FAO / WHO EXPERT COMMITTEE ON FOOD ADDITIVES summaries & conclusions on Steviol Glycosides Read the EFSA evaluation of the safety of steviol glycosides.

Greg Horn - Speaking on Stevia at SteviaWorld Europe - 2009