The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has approved SweeGen’s ‘non-GMO Reb M Stevia Leaf Sweetener’ and added it to the list of permitted food additives.

Non-caloric sweetener producer SweeGen claims that its product will enable food and beverage manufacturers to reduce the sugar content in their products without sacrificing taste.

SweeGen Asia Pacific business development senior director Lewis Tessarolo said: “We are excited to introduce our non-GMO Reb M stevia leaf sweetener to food and beverage manufacturers in Singapore.

“Consumer demand for zero and reduced-sugar products is on the rise globally, and our non-GMO Reb M provides a solution to manufacturers.”

The company noted that Bestevia Reb M is produced through a unique, stevia leaf-based bioconversion process.

Earlier this year, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) proposed a ban on the sale of high-sugar drinks and suggested imposing a tax on sugar-based drinks.

The proposal for introducing a sugar tax aims to bring change in the behaviour of consumers, as well as encourage manufacturers to reduce the sugar content of products.

In January, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved SweeGen’s ‘Bestevia Reb M Stevia Leaf Sweetener’ for use as a food additive.

FSANZ conducted a detailed safety evaluation, following which it amended present requirements.

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