Blue California announced receipt of the official notification from the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supporting the conclusion by an expert panel that Blue California’s Good&Sweet™ Reb-A 97% is GRAS, making it possible for Good&Sweet to be used in a variety of food products. The FDA’s response does not necessarily apply to the use of other stevia products as food ingredients. Blue California is the third company and the only manufacturer of purified Reb-A to receive the FDA’s notification; Cargill and Merisant received the FDA’s “no objection letters” in December 2008, opening the door to food and beverage companies to use the best-tasting component of the stevia leaf in food products, as long as the purity is no less than 95%. Blue California’s pure Reb-A 99% surpasses industry standards and offers the opportunity to food manufacturers to develop food products with reduced calories, without sacrificing taste. Blue California started commercial production of this natural sweetener purified from stevia leaves in 2007 and began the GRAS self-affirmation process early in 2008. The expert panel convened by GRAS Associates concluded by December 2008 that Good&Sweet Reb-A Powder met the FDA’s safety criteria for use as a general purpose sweetener in a variety of food products for consumer use including, beverages, confectioneries, milk products, frozen dairy, snack foods, baked goods, sweet sauces, meal replacements and table-top products, among others. Blue California’s GRAS dossier was submitted to the FDA on January 19, 2009. Good&Sweet Reb-A is offered at 99% purity, providing customers and consumers with the best taste and highest purity available in the market, according to the company. This natural sweetener makes it possible to produce low-calorie food products and zero-calorie beverages by reducing, or eliminating, sugar content. Blue California, 949-635-1990, www.bluecal-ingredients.com

From the September 14, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition