The Use Of Stevia

To date we have been unable to certify products containing stevia leaves as they were classed as Novel Foods and were not authorised for use in the EU.

The Food Standards Agency has now confirmed that the classification of stevia leaves as a novel food has been amended by the European Commission. Tea, herbal and fruit infusions containing or prepared with leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni now fall outside the scope of the EU Novel Food Regulation and can be marketed in the EU without needing a novel food authorisation.

This means that we are able to certify tea, herbal and fruit infusions containing or prepared with leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. To use in an organic product the stevia must be certified organic. This only applies to the specific products types named above. The Novel Food classification still applies to stevia leaves used in any other product type.

Please note the above applies to Stevia plant only, and not the additive Steviol glycosides (E960). Steviol glycosides (E960) are not permitted for use under EU Organic Regulation.

See the FSA website for further details on novel foods and their FAQ section.