Use of stevia in canned/bottled Greek peaches and other fruit

7.2.2019

Question for written answer E-000752-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Manolis Kefalogiannis (PPE)

The production of clingstone peaches is of enormous economic importance for Greece, indeed Greek peaches account for 40% of the world's canned/bottled peach trade.

By Commission Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011 of 11 November 2011 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, the Commission authorises the use of steviol glycosides in certain foods. Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 specifies the products in which stevia may be used.

Unfortunately, the current regulations do not allow the use of stevia in canned or bottled fruit under code 4.2.3. However, according to recent studies by the American Diabetes Association, stevia may have beneficial properties in controlling glucose levels in persons suffering from diabetes.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Will it consider amending the annex to make a broader range of products, such as canned/bottled fruit, available to persons suffering from diabetes?