Stevia and the FDA

The FDA has approved stevia as a dietary supplement, but not as a food additive in the USA or Canada.  Consequently, companies are not allowed to use it as an ingredient in their products.   It must be noted that, there has been no scientific evidence that stevia contributes to cancer, carcinogenic activity, and/or birth defects. Furthermore, stevia has been used in Japan since the 1970’s, with no indications of serious side effects.  In the Unites States, there has been speculation that the large sugar companies have been fighting the introduction of stevia, as a means to prevent competition from a cheaper product.