In 1991, the FDA banned stevia due to potential cancer risks and insufficient safety data. Let’s explore why was stevia banned, how new research changed its status, and its current safety.
Key Takeaways
- Stevia was initially banned by the FDA in 1991 due to concerns about its potential carcinogenic risks and insufficient safety data, but this ban was lifted in 2008 as new research demonstrated its safety.
- High-purity stevia extracts are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, making them suitable for use in various food products, while crude extracts and whole leaves remain unapproved.
- Ongoing scientific research has mitigated early health concerns related to stevia, revealing potential health benefits and confirming its safety when consumed within established limits.
Why Was Stevia Banned and Is It Safe Now?
Extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, stevia serves as a natural sweetener and was once prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States due to initial health concerns, including suspicions of it being carcinogenic. In 1991, preliminary research triggered caution regarding its use after showing questionable safety evidence.
By 2008, advancements in scientific understanding led to a revised viewpoint from the FDA. The agency began permitting both stevia leaves and its extracts for incorporation into dietary supplements following more conclusive studies that allayed earlier fears about their safety.
In present times, high-purity extracts of stevia are considered safe for consumption with an official Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status granted by the FDA. This endorsement has allowed widespread utilization of stevia as a favored sweetener across various products.