Health Canada's Food Directorate completed a detailed safety assessment of two food additive submissions that together seek approval for the use of steviol glycosides as a sweetener in snack bars including, but not limited to granola bars, cereal bars, fibre bars, and protein isolate-based bars.

Steviol glycoside is already permitted for use in Canada as a sweetener in assorted unstandardized foods.

As no safety concerns were raised through Health Canada's assessment the Department has enabled the food additive use of steviol glycosides described in the information document below by updating the List of Permitted Sweeteners, effective 2 August 2017.

The purpose of this communication is to publically announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for any inquiries or for those wishing to submit any new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.