European Parliament Regulates the Use of Ka´a He´e

By Paola Sapienza

The European Parliament recently approved the industrial commercialization of the Ka’a He'ẽ (Stevia Rebaudiana) for use in foods and beverages within the European Union.

Ka’a He'ẽ is well known for its use as a natural sweetener and sugar substitute. Its name comes from the use Guaranies (indigenous tribe in South America) gave them thousand of years ago.

The Ka´a He´e leaves have been used in Paraguay and Brazil with the purpose of sweetening teas, medicines or even treats for kids. The European Parliament officially approved a bill to allow Ka’a He'ẽ to sweeten European products. By December 2nd, 2011 it is expected to be registered within the “Codex Alimentario” of the European Union.

Before this bill, the use of these type of plants in food products was forbidden due to the fact that it was toxicologically unacceptable. As a consequence, The European Stevia Association (EUSTAS) fought for obtaining stevia’s legal recognition within Europe, until July 4, 2011, date in which the vote that authorizes the use of stevia as a sweetener was issued by the Parliament.

Stevia presents an endless amount of benefits. Among them, it calls out the consumers’ attention because of its low-carbohydrate content; its minor effect on blood glucose is beneficial for carbohydrate-controlled diets and its steviol glycoside extracts have up to three hundred times the sweetness of sugar.

Besides the great benefits from Stevia, this is a great opportunity for Paraguay’s economy; it will promote agricultural activities and the development of different kind of varieties depending on the European demand.

According to Mr. Alberto Sallustro member of the “Cámara Paraguaya de la Stevia (CAPASTE) – Paraguayan Chamber of Stevia, nowadays there are 1,500 ha of Stevia in Paraguay and their goal is to reach 10,000. In this sense, it is very important for Paraguayan Stevia producers to invest on genetic quality and to increase their number of hectares.

There is currently a piece of legislation before the Paraguayan Congress which would create “Consejo Regulador del Ka’a He'ẽ ” – Regulating Council of Ka ´a He´e. The Council’s sole purpose will be to regulate and promote Stevia with public support.