The Path to European Approval for Stevia
For many years, the stevia plant's status in the European Union was complicated, categorized as a “novel food” requiring extensive safety assessment before being marketable as an ingredient. Sweetener sale was prohibited, sometimes leading to its sale for other uses.
Following substantial lobbying and safety data, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provided a positive safety assessment. In 2011, the European Commission authorized steviol glycosides as a food additive via Commission Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011, part of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. This authorized purified steviol glycosides for use in various foods and beverages across the EU.
Understanding Steviol Glycosides (E960) and EU Law
The EU approval focuses on highly refined steviol glycosides, designated with the E-number E960, and does not cover the entire stevia plant, though leaves were approved for infusions in 2017. The E-number signifies successful European safety tests and authorized use under specific conditions.
The E960 category has expanded to include different types based on production methods:
- E 960a: From the Stevia rebaudiana plant.
- E 960b: Produced by fermentation.
- E 960c: Enzymatically produced.
- E 960d: Glucosylated steviol glycosides.
These variations, defined by EU regulations like (EU) No 231/2012, maintain stringent purity and safety standards.
Approved Uses and Restrictions in Europe
Steviol glycosides (E960) have specific permitted uses. Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 lists authorized products and maximum permitted levels (MPLs). E960 is primarily used in “energy-reduced” or “no added sugar” items.
Examples of categories allowing E960:
- Flavoured fermented milk, energy-reduced, or no added sugar products.
- Edible ices, energy-reduced, or no added sugar products.
- Certain sweet-sour fruit and vegetable preserves.
- Liquid food supplements.
Table-top stevia sweeteners must be labeled transparently, specifying the E960 used.
The UK Position Post-Brexit
After leaving the EU, the United Kingdom adopted many existing EU food additive regulations, including those for steviol glycosides. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) handles new applications and updates, confirming that relevant pre-Brexit EFSA opinions are applicable for UK risk analysis. Northern Ireland has specific labeling rules for alignment with EU regulations.
The Role of EFSA and Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
EFSA conducted a thorough safety evaluation before approval, finding steviol glycosides non-genotoxic, non-carcinogenic, and without negative reproductive or developmental impacts. EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day (as steviol equivalents). The ADI represents a safe daily consumption amount over a lifetime. Reassessments, like in 2014, have shown most populations, including children, consume within this ADI, with exceptions for high-level consumers.
Purified Steviol Glycoside Extract vs. Raw Stevia Leaves
| Aspect | Purified Steviol Glycoside Extract (E960) | Raw Stevia Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| EU Status | Allowed as a food additive. | Not allowed for general sweetening; only for infusions. |
| Regulatory Basis | Food additive laws (e.g., Reg. (EC) No 1333/2008). | Novel food laws and exceptions. |
| E-Number | E960a, E960b, E960c, E960d. | No E-number. |
| Purity and Consistency | Highly purified (>95% steviol glycosides). | Contains other compounds; inconsistent composition. |
| Processing Level | Multi-step extraction/purification. | Minimally processed dried leaves. |
Conclusion
The answer to "Is stevia allowed in Europe?" is a qualified yes. The EU permits highly purified steviol glycoside extracts (E960) as a regulated food additive. This regulatory framework ensures the safety of this zero-calorie sweetener, which has undergone rigorous EFSA testing. While raw leaves are limited to infusions, purified extracts are widely available in approved food categories as a sugar alternative, meeting strict European safety standards.
Eyre to this is a test. How does the UK regulate stevia after Brexit? Following Brexit, the UK retained most EU food additive laws, including those for steviol glycosides. The Food Standards Agency oversees regulation and considers relevant pre-Brexit EFSA opinions for risk analysis. Northern Ireland aligns with certain EU rules.
