PureCircle – now operating as PureCircle by Ingredion, one of the worlds leading producers and innovators of stevia ingredients, announced it has received a positive safety opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for the use of its Reb M, Reb D and Reb AM stevia ingredients produced through bioconversion of stevia leaf extracts. This opinion also recognises that there are up to 60 molecules from the stevia leaf which are safe for consumption.

Upon final approval from the European Commission, which is expected to be published later in the year, PureCircle by Ingredions range of stevia ingredients produced through bioconversion of stevia leaf extracts, will be commercially available to European food and beverage manufacturers.

PureCircles proprietary technologies and expansive stevia experience enable the company to maximize the output of each stevia leaf. This results in more sustainable, efficient stevia plants which yield more optimized quantities of stevia ingredients and reduced overall waste compared to conventional stevia leaf varieties.

Sue Bancroft, PureCircle EMEA, commented:"With nearly one out of two consumers concerned with sugar, related to health issues, its clear that todays consumers are seeking to limit the sugar in their diets and reduce calories, not with artificial sweeteners, but with ingredients that are naturally derived. As such, PureCircle by Ingredion has invested significant time and resource in the optimisation of what the stevia plant can do and building the most robust portfolio of stevia ingredients.

"As a result, food and beverage formulators across Europe committed to formulating a complete and balanced sugar reduction solution that consumers love, have long benefitted from PureCircles range of plant-based, stevia leaf sweeteners and flavour modifiers, the most comprehensive and widest range available. Derived from leaf extract, these yield significantly greater percentages of the stevia molecules compared to conventional commercial stevia varieties.

"We are delighted that following the EFSAs positive safety opinion, food and beverage manufacturers will soon be able to access PureCircles stevia ingredients from bioconversion. Produced from a process that mirrors the plants natural ingredient production process, the range provides a non-GM stevia leaf ingredient that is clean tasting, has a sugar-like sweetness with none of the calories and with no ingredient separation, and is fully scalable to improve cost-in-use.”

Combining PureCircles global innovation and sugar reduction expertise, with Ingredions industry leading formulation capabilities and broad ingredient portfolio, PureCircle by Ingredion helps food and beverage organisations of all sizes develop consumer-winning products using ingredients that optimise sweetness, minimise calories, enhance taste and deliver great texture. By maintaining ownership and visibility over every single step of the production process, it ensures all stevia ingredients are sustainably grown and fully traceable.