A DIFFICULT INTRODUCTION IN THE USA

The first imports of stevia in the form of dried leaves and of extract of stevia took place at the beginning of the 80s in the United States. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) knew the existence of this plant for some years because numerous studies had been led on the subject in American laboratories. The import and the sale of stevia were then tolerated, as long as no consumer's complaint was raised.

The first initiatives of sale of stevia were nevertheless of short durations because from 1985, the FDA began to chase importers and local producers of stevia.

Several petitions were deposited at the FDA, notably by the company Lipton, so that stevia could be classified GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). It was lost effort because the FDA evoked a complaint received against the stevia by an anonymous firm. This complaint was regrettably never revealed.

In 1991, the FDA hardens even more its device against stevia because any import and any business of stevia was considered illicit. The employees of the FDA had then for obligation to seize the products which contained it and to stop any suspect import.

The situation clears up finally in 1994 when the law DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) was voted by the American congress. This law is essential because it grants the right to sell natural products, as wild spices, as nutritional complements, so as long is that no mention connected to some healing virtues is made on the product.

In 1995, an American company asked for the right to the FDA to market by-products of stevia in the form of complement to nutrition. The FDA had then 75 days to make it opposition, that is, supply some proof that the stevia is unfit for the consumption. It did not arrive. Stevia was then officially supposed as nutritional complement in the USA.

Since this time, the marketing of stevia is increasing. We find it under various shape (notably in the energy drink GURU) and numerous consumers are henceforth interested in it legally.