FSANZ invites submissions on new production method for sweetener


Wednesday, 03 April, 2019

FSANZ invites submissions on new production method for sweetener

Cargill, Incorporated (Cargill) is seeking approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to permit a novel production method for a mixture of sweeteners, Rebaudiosides M and D (Reb MD), in the Food Standards Code.

FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the rebaudiosides are steviol glycosides, sweeteners extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant.

Currently, permissions for steviol glycosides allow for products extracted from the plant only, while Cargill uses a microbial fermentation production method for its Reb MD.

“The applicant is seeking approval to include a new specification for Reb MD produced from microbial fermentation, rather than from the plant,” Booth said.

Reb MD will be used as an intense sweetener as an alternative to parent steviol glycosides, offering an improved sensory profile and a better sweetness quality, Cargill said.

Steviol glycosides, including Reb MD, are already permitted for use as a food additive, and Booth said FSANZ’s risk assessment found no health and safety concerns with this new production method.

FSANZ is seeking submissions on a draft variation to the code to permit Cargill’s Reb MD as a food additive. Submissions close at 6 pm on 10 May 2019 (Canberra time).

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Sea Wave

Related News

Maple syrup explored as a potential sugar substitute

The potential health benefits of using pure maple syrup instead of sugar were explored in a...

Regularly eating nuts supports healthy lifespan, research finds

Regular consumption of nuts is associated with maintaining a healthy lifespan, research from a...

Colour supplier GNT recognised for sustainability

The recognition ranks the company among the top 3% in the food manufacturing industry.


  • All content Copyright © 2024 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd