Another corporate giant develops stevia derived sweetener

Illinois-based Corn Products International intends to seek U.S. approval for its new rebaudioside A rich sweetener to be used in processed products in the U.S. This news adds to other initiatives by Cargill, Coca Cola, and others. They plant to produce stevia in both the Southern and Northern hemispheres.
Corn Products International Adds Stevia-Based, High-Intensity Sweetener to Its Ingredient... Reuters

Popularity of stevia growing among gardeners

Here is a nice column about stevia from Jim Long, an herbalist in Southern Missouri:
Jim Long's Garden: Stevia, Sweetener of the Future

Are Tomatoes Safer At The Farmers Market?

This article concludes that at least at a farmer's market, you can ask questions of the actual grower. The farmers have to answer directly to their end users, so I would hope they would be careful about food safety issues. Amother possibilty is to grow some of your own produce!
Are Tomatoes Safer At The Farmers Market?

Article claims FDA will Review Stevia product for use as a food additive

This sounds more like I thought the approval process would work. This article claims the FDA will review Cargill's new stevia extract product for possible approval as a food additive. No mention of "Self Determination as discussed in my previous blog. This approval would be big news for stevia and for people wanting a natural alternative to artificial low-calorie sweeteners.
No-Calorie Natural Sweetener on the Way: "The FDA says it will review Truvia's case to be considered 'generally recognized as safe,' which would pave the way for it to become the first stevia product allowed as a food additive in the U.S."

Companies claim GRAS status for stevia through 'self determination'

I had thought any stevia-derived product would have to go through a formal FDA review process to be allowed in processed food products as a sweetener. This article is the first I've heard of this "self-determination of GRAS status" mechanism. GRAS means "Generally Recognized as Safe." If anyone knows more about this mechanism, please leave a comment.
Sweet Success for Stevia…finally :: News :: Natural and Nutritional Products Industry Center: "both companies used the same sling shot – a route called “self-determination of GRAS status.” This allows for the safety of the product to be decided by the views of experts, as long as there are significant published, peer-reviewed studies, available in the public domain. Wisdom Natural Brands and Cargill both hired teams of stevia experts (with FDA experience) to garner enough scientific support for each of their respective ingredients."

Food companies ready to enter stevia market

It looks like companies in Malaysia and the U.S. are prepared to meet market demand when and if stevia is fully approved in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Food and Beverage Giants Lining Up to Cash in When Stevia Gets GRAS Approval in U.S.