FSANZ approves SweeGen’s Bestevia Reb D Stevia Leaf Sweetener

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved SweeGen’s Bestevia Reb D Stevia Leaf Sweetener for use as a food additive.

SweeGen noted that the regulatory authority approved its sweetener after conducting a detailed safety evaluation and amending existing specifications for Rebaudioside D under the Australia and New Zealand food standard code.

FSANZ gave approval for use of the sweetener as a food additive in Amendment No 187 issued on 5 September.

The company claims that its Bestevia Reb D product is non-caloric and a high-purity stevia sweetener.

It offers a sugar-like taste and has the potential to replace sugar or artificial sweeteners in beverages, dairy products, bakeries and nutritional foods.

Furthermore, SweeGen said that its sweetener product has been produced using a unique, stevia leaf-based bioconversion process.

In January, FSANZ approved SweeGen’s Bestevia Reb M Stevia Leaf Sweetener for use as a food additive.

Similar to Bestevia Reb D Stevia Leaf Sweetener, Bestevia Reb M, which has been produced through a stevia leaf-based bioconversion process, is a non-caloric high-purity stevia sweetener offering a sugar-like taste.

According to the company, food and beverage manufacturers are already reformulating and launching products to reduce high sugar contents to match the global trend, which is moving towards clean, nature-based, non-GMO and sustainable ingredients.

Last month, SweeGen expanded its portfolio with the launch of its advanced stevia-based sugar reduction platform, Bestevia Taste Solutions.