Is Stevia Still Banned in the US? A Comprehensive Guide

As of August 2023, stevia is not banned in the United States. Certain stevia extracts, such as rebaudioside A, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for consumption. Nevertheless, whole stevia leaves and crude stevia extracts are not approved for use as food additives.

The Evolution of FDA Stance on Stevia

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 marked a significant turning point for stevia in the US. Prior to this act, stevia remained strictly banned for all uses. The FDA subsequently revised its stance, permitting stevia to be used as a dietary supplement. However, it is important to note that stevia is still restricted as a food additive or sweetener in the US, as well as in many other countries like Europe.

Recent Developments and Global Regulation

Worldwide, stevia has gained increasing acceptance. For instance, in 1991, stevia was banned in the US due to early studies suggesting it might cause cancer. However, in December 2008, the FDA declared stevia Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and allowed its use in mainstream U.S. food production. This decision paved the way for the widespread use of stevia in various food and beverage products.

It is crucial to differentiate between dietary supplements and food additives. While stevia is now GRAS and can be used as a sweetener, it is not approved as a food additive. This distinction has significant implications for its use in the food industry.

Stevia in Other Countries

While stevia is now widely accepted in the US, its regulatory status varies significantly in different countries. For example, the Indian Food Safety and Standards Authority initially banned stevia in 2011, but reversed its decision in 2015. Now, stevia is sold online by companies like Gandhi's Green Valley Farms and is used by major Indian brands such as Fab India and Organic India. This indicates a growing trend of acceptance and consumption.

Other countries like Japan have embraced stevia for over three decades, while the European Union (E.U.) still maintains a ban. The E.U. points to potential disturbances in fertility and other negative health impacts as reasons for the ban. However, stevia is credited with potentially positive health effects, particularly in reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes.

Conclusion

The regulatory status of stevia is complex and varies significantly by region. While the U.S. has taken a more liberal stance by approving it as GRAS, other countries like the E.U. still face regulatory challenges. As research continues, we can expect to see further changes in the acceptance and use of stevia in different parts of the world.