SweeGen’s sweetener approved for use in food and beverage categories

SweeGen has received approval from the Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) for its Reb M sweetener for use in food and beverage categories.

The sweetener is derived from the stevia leaf and is already approved for steviol glycosides.

COFEPRIS carried out a review of the composition and manufacturing process of the Reb M stevia leaf sweetener prior to approving and submitted documentation to the organisation earlier this year.

Reb M can be used in various applications such as beverages, dairy, bakery, table-top sweeteners, confectionery, as well as nutritional food and beverages.

SweeGen natural sweetener business director Katharina Pueller said: “Consumer demand for zero and reduced sugar products is on the rise globally and our Reb M stevia leaf sweetener provides a solution that helps reduce sugar without sacrificing taste.”

Ingredient solutions provider Ingredion is an exclusive global distributor of SweeGen’s products in all markets except its house accounts and in the People’s Republic of China where it is a non-exclusive distributor.

Ingredion sweetness innovation senior global director Oscar Gutierrez said: “Now beverage and food manufacturers in Mexico can reduce sugar using our Reb M sweetener derived from the stevia leaf.

“SweeGen and Ingredion will continue our joint efforts to gain regulatory approvals in other regions.”