To receive approval, Cargill’s independent panel evaluated the identity, method of manufacture, product specifications and potential exposure resulting from the intended use of the sweetener, as well as published and unpublished studies on rebaudioside A and related substances.

While the FDA has not made its own determination regarding the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status of rebaudioside A, in a letter to the Minnesota-based international food corporation, the agency stated it had no questions regarding the conclusions made by Cargill’s panel.

Rebaudioside A is approved for use as a general-purpose sweetener in foods, excluding meat and poultry products.