April 01, 2004
Stevia
I recently read about Stevia, which is a non-caloric herb that is 150-400 times sweeter than sugar. It has been used for centuries by South American natives. There appears no toxicity problems with it, unlike aspartame (Nutrasweet) and saccharine, and its saftey is more proven than sucralose (Splenda) or even tagatose (Naturlose).
So why is it used in Japan, Germany, Chile, Brazil, etc, but not the good ole USA? Apparently, just as Nutrasweet became available, the FDA banned its import to the US, and to this day does not permit it as an ingredient, only as a dietary suppliment. The popular comspiracy theory is that Nutrasweet, which is owned by Monsanto, basically bought-off the FDA. (We clearly need a more transparent and accountable FDA, as their justification for its ban seems very week.)
Some related newsgroup posts:
* FDA orders destruction of cook books mentioning "stevia"
* Re: Stevia v Aspartame (Was: Re: ANECDOTAL REPORT: Adverse Reaction to Stevia alternative herbal sweetner