EFSA evaluates the safety of steviol glycosides

Toxicological testing showed that the substances are not genotoxic, nor carcinogenic, or linked to any adverse effects on the reproductive human system or for the developing child. The Panel set an Acceptable Daily Intake ( ADI Id-doża aċċettabbli ta’ kuljum (ADI) hija stima tal-ammont ta’ sustanza fl-ikel jew fl-ilma tax-xorb li tista’ tiġi kkonsmata kuljum matul il-ħajja mingħajr ma tippreżenta riskju sinifikanti għas-saħħa. Normalment tiġi espressa bħala milligrammi tas-sustanza għal kull kilogramma ta’ piż tal-ġisem u tapplika għal sustanzi kimiċi bħal addittivi tal-ikel, residwi tal-pestiċidi u mediċini veterinarji.)[1] of 4 mg per kg body weight per day for steviol glycosides, a level consistent with that already established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).

The Panel points out, however, that this ADI could be exceeded by both adults and children if these sweeteners are used at the maximum levels proposed by the applicants.

Steviol glycosides are intense sweeteners extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni). These substances, such as stevioside and rebaudioside, range in sweetness from 40 to 300 times sweeter than sucrose.

EFSA reviewed the safety of three dossiers supporting requests for authorisation. Food additives such as sweeteners must be explicitly authorised at European level before they can be used in foods.

• Scientific Opinion on the safety of steviol glycosides for the proposed uses as a food additive
• Topics A-Z: Food additives