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Follow on Google News | European Commission Approves Stevia as a Sweetener and Improves Transparency of Food AdditivesThe natural sweetener Stevia has now received safety approval from the European Commission.
By: Ron Wacker Stevia will most likely be used for sweetening low-calorie soft drinks. However, the food industry also plans to use the substance in yogurt, cereals and chocolate. One of the reasons given by the EC for their approval is the "need for new, reduced-calorie products." The European Commission formally adopted the regulation (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/ Food additives are defined as substances that preserve or sweeten foodstuffs. Approval is only granted to food additives that provide a benefit to the consumer, for example a longer shelf life, and are found not to be harmful. It is mandatory to indicate additives in the list of ingredients of foodstuffs in the EU by quoting āEā numbers or their full name (see updated list of food additives in the EU). By 2020, the EFSA will review all 320 approved additives that are currently allowed in the EU. This includes the controversial sweetener Aspartame. The use of additives in food will soon become even safer and more transparent in the EU than it currently is, thanks to two further legislations that were adopted by the European Commission during November 2011. Based on these legislations, the Commission has prepared two new lists. The first list concerns additives in foodstuffs that will come into effect in June 2013. A freely accessible online database will allow consumers to identify which additives are authorized in a particular food. The second list consists of additives in food ingredients, such as flavors, nutrients and enzymes. This list will take effect in the coming weeks. The establishment of these two lists is an important step in the implementation of the framework Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives that was adopted in December 2008. About SGS Food Services SGS, the global leader in third-party testing, provides analytical services (http://www.agriculture- For further information, please contact the SGS food experts. Contact details: SGS Consumer Testing Services Ron Wacker, PhD Global Business Development Manager, Food Testing SGS Germany GmbH t +49 6039 4696540 E-Mail: cts.media@sgs.com Website: www.foodsafety.sgs.com The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognised as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With 67,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,250 offices and laboratories around the world. # # # SGS Consumer Testing Services ensures the quality and safety of every kind of consumer products, from textiles, electronics and furniture to food and automotive. For more information, please visit: http://www.consumer- End
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