Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has assessed and approved Bestevia Reb M Stevia Leaf Sweetener for use as an intense sweetener. This was stated by Ingredion Incorporated, a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries.
After performing a detailed risk assessment, FSANZ concluded that there were no public health or safety concerns with the sweetener. Bestevia Reb M stevia leaf sweetener is a non-caloric, high-purity stevia sweetener with a clean, sugar-like taste, without the bitterness associated with some stevia sweeteners.
The unique production process starts with the stevia leaf and uses a patented bioconversion process to achieve high quantities of Reb M, economically unattainable from traditional stevia extraction methods.
“Ingredion is now able to support our food and beverage customers in Australia and New Zealand as they work to meet consumer demand for reduced and no-sugar products made with our new, high-purity, great-tasting stevia sweetener,” said Wendy Pasco, marketing manager, Ingredion ANZ.
“The sugar-reduction trend is reshaping the way manufacturers formulate for sweet taste globally and we are excited to introduce Bestevia Reb M to the Asia-Pacific region,” said Eric Weisser, innovation director, Ingredion Asia-Pacific.
“Bestevia Reb M stevia leaf sweetener gives manufacturers a new tool to reduce sugar, without sacrificing taste,” he added.
Sweegen, Inc, a nature-based sweetener company, is dedicated to the development and production of non-caloric and non-GMO (genetically-modified organism) sweeteners for the food, flavour and beverage industries.
Ingredion is Sweegen, Inc’s exclusive global distributor in all markets (excluding Sweegen’s house accounts and in the People’s Republic of China, where it is a non-exclusive distributor).
This collaboration enables both companies to benefit from each other’s strengths and to engage a diverse number of customers in the global food and beverage industry.
Ingredion currently distributes Bestevia Reb M stevia leaf sweeteners in North America, Colombia, Peru, Australia, New Zealand and additional countries as regulatory approvals are granted.
