Why has stevia been approved as a sweetener in 108 natural health products, but has not been authorized for use as a sweetening ingredient in food?
Non-nutritive sweetening agents such as stevia extracts which are intended for use in foods are regulated as food additives under the Food and Drug Regulations. As such, they are subject to regulatory requirements which are different from those specific to natural health products. Stevia leaves (fresh, dried or powdered) are not regulated as food additives but are considered ingredients. However, Health Canada has not been in a position to provide an opinion on the safety of foods containing stevia leaves. Foods are consumed ad libitum, in other words at an individual’s own discretion. Health Canada needs to be provided with sufficient toxicological data to support the safety of stevia extracts used in food products. Because food and natural health products have different patterns of use, it is possible for a substance to be approved for use in therapeutic products such as natural health products but not for more widespread use that would be typical in foods. The nature of the product
