Herbal Sweetness Still Banned… For Now
On November 12, 2007 Coca-Cola announced that they will now be tackling the ongoing “Stevia Battle” in the United States in hopes of releasing a stevia-based, high intensity sweetener they’re calling “Rebiana.” Stevia, an herb known for its naturally sweet taste, has been banned in the United States as a sugar alternative since the early 1990’s. The reasoning is still unclear — the FDA claims that they don’t know the long-term effects of using this herb as a food, though the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act forced the organization to approve it as a dietary supplement.
The FDA Says…
Available toxicological information on stevia is inadequate to demonstrate its safety as a food additive or to affirm its status as GRAS. However, with regard to its use in dietary supplements, dietary ingredients, including stevia, are not subject to food additive regulations.
Is Big Business Behind This Sweet Ban?
What is actually stopping the FDA from looking into the safety and efficacy of stevia as a food product remains to be seen. It’s hard not to think that there’s something more behind the issue. It would only be emblematic of America’s pro big business strategy for it to take a big name company like Coca-Cola to force a second look at so-called “inadequate information.” Stevia is, after all, a popular and widely used herb throughout South America, Central America, and China. Studies of its use have shown that the herb has antifungal properties, can help to lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and can be used as a calorie-free sweetener for diabetics and healthy individuals alike. Let’s see if Coca-Cola can make a big enough push to allow US citizens a lawful taste.
Sources:
PureCircle plans flotation to fund Reb-A sweetener supply [Food Navigator]
The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs [Rain Tree Nutrition]
by Adrienne Rayski
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Now is not the time to be silent. These issues affect us all
November 14th, 2007 at 11:51 am
Great Article!! If they lifted the ban, maybe more people would comfortably enjoy this sweetener. It’s great for tea, coffee and morning smoothies.
Thanks, Gina