A History of EU Regulations for Stevia
The story of stevia in the European Union is a complex one, involving initial skepticism, extensive safety research, and eventual widespread acceptance. The journey began long before its formal approval and helps explain the lingering misconceptions about its legality in Europe.
The 'Novel Food' Status and Initial Rejection
For many years, the EU classified Stevia rebaudiana as a 'Novel Food'. In 1999, the European Commission denied authorization for stevia plants or dried leaves due to insufficient evidence of safety. This created the basis for the popular but incorrect belief that the EU had permanently banned stevia.
Scientific Review and the 2011 Approval
Following the initial rejection, significant scientific research was conducted on the safety of stevia and its sweetening components, known as steviol glycosides. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted rigorous assessments, concluding in April 2010 that steviol glycosides were safe. EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 4 mg per kg of body weight per day for steviol glycosides. This led to the European Commission granting final regulatory approval for the use of steviol glycosides as a sweetener on November 11, 2011.
Distinctions: Stevia Leaf vs. Purified Extracts
It is crucial to understand the distinction between the different forms of stevia. The EU's approval is not a blanket authorization for all parts of the Stevia rebaudiana plant:
- Purified Steviol Glycosides (E960a and other E-numbers): These highly purified extracts are approved as food additives. Their use is limited to specific food categories and maximum levels.
- Raw Stevia Leaf: The raw leaf is not approved as a food additive. However, infusions (teas) made from the leaves were authorized in 2017.
Comparison of Stevia's Regulatory Journey
| Feature | Before 2011 EU Regulation | After 2011 EU Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Approved Form | None for food applications | Purified steviol glycosides (E960a, E960c, etc.) |
| Status in Europe | Not authorized as a food ingredient (Novel Food) | Authorized as a food additive for specific uses |
| Approved as Food Additive | No | Yes |
| Approved as Dietary Supplement | Yes, but restrictions applied | Yes, and as a sweetener in food |
| Raw Leaf in Foods | Not permitted | Not permitted as an additive, but allowed in tea infusions |
| Regulatory Body | European Commission based on early scientific advice | EFSA safety assessments leading to Commission approval |
The Role of EFSA and Ongoing Regulation
The European Food Safety Authority continues to monitor and update regulations. For example, EFSA has reviewed and approved new forms of enzymatically produced steviol glycosides (E960c and E960d). This stringent regulatory process is a hallmark of the European food safety system.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on the EU Ban on Stevia
In conclusion, the idea that the EU banned stevia is an outdated generalization. While there was a period of regulatory restriction due to a lack of market authorization, this changed dramatically in 2011. Following extensive scientific review by EFSA, purified steviol glycosides were deemed safe and approved for use as a food additive across the European Union. Today, products containing stevia are widely available, though the raw leaf remains regulated. The regulatory distinctions between the raw leaf and the purified extract are still important to understand. For a detailed timeline of EU Stevia approvals, you can visit {Link: Eufic website https://www.eufic.org/en/whats-in-food/article/stevia-a-natural-sweetener-with-potential/}.
