Tag: Regulatory barriers

As of late 2024, only certain aqueous extracts of monk fruit are authorized in the EU. This is a contrast to the widespread use in North America. The key factor explaining why is monk fruit not approved in Europe is the EU's Novel Food regulations. These require extensive safety data for ingredients not widely consumed before May 1997.

Despite its growing popularity in the U.S. and Asia, Europe has long maintained a cautious stance on monk fruit extracts as a food additive. Contrary to popular belief, Europe did not outright ban monk fruit, but rather withheld broad approval for highly purified versions due to insufficient safety data, a classification that has recently seen minor changes for specific forms.