re European Approval2 Jun 2009 11:46
http://www.foodnavigator.com/Legislation/France-and-rest-of-Europe-prepare-for-stevia-approval
France and rest of Europe prepare for stevia approval
By Jess Halliday, 01-Jun-2009
Manufacturers in France are gearing up to start using high purity stevia extract Reb A as soon as approval is signed off, according to a supplier, making use of an anticipated two-year window before full European approval.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has received three petitions for stevia sweeteners, from EUSTAS (the European Stevia Association), Cargill and Merisant. Industry is hoping that, pending a positive opinion, extracts with 95 per cent steviol glycosides could be approved in Europe under the new sweeteners directive by autumn 2010 or spring 2009.
But in the meantime, member states can authorise a new sweetener under transition arrangements. Lasting two years, this route, which France is taking, will speed to sweetener’s advent to the European market – and by the time the 2 years is up it is expected that the EU will have given its seal of approval.
France’s food safety agency, AFFSA, cleared use of 97 per cent purity Reb A earlier this year and ministerial authorisation is anticipated this summer.