Canada has become the latest country to approve the use of stevia in food and beverages.
Health Canada said on Friday (30 November) it has authorised the use of the sugar substitute as a food additive for products. Previously it was only available as a natural health product in the country.
In an announcement to the London Stock Exchange, Stevia producer PureCircle welcomed the move. CEO Magomet Malsagov said it is "another important milestone in the expansion of PureCircle's global footprint".
He added: "Following two years of working with Health Canada, we are proud to have played an important role in gaining approval for use of our proprietary portfolio of stevia ingredients.
"PureCircle's activities in this market are well underway and we are fully prepared to service our customers for new growth."
A year ago, stevia was approved by the European Commission for use in EU markets.
