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.

New stevia safety studies published

Cargill is working on a new stevia-based food additive and expects FDA approval according to this article:
Stevia-Based Rebiana Sweetener Studies Published
The studies are published in the journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology."

Another try for Stevia approval as food additive

This CNN report includes comments from those involved in getting stevia approved as a food additive in the U.S.
Market Spotlight: Alternative Sweeteners

Stevia source of antioxidants, possible DNA protection

This is the first I've heard about stevia being a rich source of antioxidants. Yet another eason to grow and enjoy stevia. -- Jeffrey Goettemoeller
Whirlwind around stevia could also include DNA protection:
November 30, 2007 -- by Stephen Daniells -- nutraingredients.com
"Stevia, the natural sweetener causing a whirlwind of interest around the globe, could also be a rich source of antioxidants and may protect against DNA damage and cancer, says a study from India published yesterday."

Stevia: The FDA's Attack On A Beneficial Supplement

Here's a pretty detailed article about the FDA and Stevia. -- Jeff G.
Stevia: The FDA's Attack On A Beneficial Supplement
Nov 14, 2007 -- by Jon Barron -- Newstarget.com

Results Are In: Organic Foods More Nutritious Than Conventional Foods

Here's another study showing many organic foods really are better for you. -- Jeffrey G.
The Results Are In: Organic Foods More Nutritious Than Conventional Foods:
Nov 18, 2007 -- by Katherine East -- Newstarget.com
"Newcastle University have been leading this £12m, four-year project, funded by the European Union and their findings show that organic food contains more antioxidants and less unhealthy fatty acids."

Paraguayans hoping for windfall from "sweet herb"

ABC News: Paraguayans hoping for windfall from "sweet herb"
by Daniela Desantis -- July 24, 2007

Stevia offers Paraguay farmers hopes of a sweet future

Interesting story about farmers in Paraguay and the hopes they are placing on stevia as a cash crop. -- Jeff G.
FTD.de - Business English - Business English - Stevia offers Paraguay farmers hopes of a sweet future

Is Coca-Cola Putting Stevia On The Fast-Track To Approval As A Sweetener?

Interesting blog about Coca-Cola and Cargill interest in stevia. -- Jeff G.
Jimmy Moore's Livin' La Vida Low-Carb™ Blog: Is Coca-Cola Putting Stevia On The Fast-Track To Approval As A Sweetener?: "Did you know Diet Coke in Japan is sweetened with the plant-based stevia?"

Paraguayans hoping for windfall from stevia

Looks like stevia production might be ramped up considerably in Paraguay. -- Jeff Goettemoeller
Paraguayans hoping for windfall from "sweet herb" - Yahoo! News:
July 24, 2007
"ASUNCION (Reuters) - Paraguayan farmers are hoping to cash in on a low-calorie sweetener being made by the Coca-Cola Co"

Food Standards Code May Allow Stevia in Food for New Zealand, Australia

FSANZ invites comment on proposed changes to Food Standards Code: "The Plant Sciences Group of Central Queensland University and Australian Stevia Mills Pty Ltd have applied for the Code to be amended to allow the use of steviol glycosides as an intense sweetener for a wide variety of foods."

Senapati farmers benefiting from Stevia cultivation

Senapati farmers benefiting from Stevia cultivation :: KanglaOnline ~ Your Gateway: "Imphal, May 21: The farmers of Tadubi and its surrounding villages in Senapati district have started getting the benefits from cultivating 'Stevia' plants extensively over 220 acres for commercial purposes."

Amazonian Dark Earth

A charcoal by-product of some biofuel production methods could provide soil fertility and carbon sequestration. -- Jeff
Amazonian Dark Earth:
by Susan S. Lang -- Feb. 18, 2006
"Cornell biogeochemist shows how reproducing the Amazon's black soil could increase fertility and reduce global warming"