The Food and Drug Administration has issued a letter of no objection relating to the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status of Rebaudioside C stevia extract, according to Vancouver-based GLG Life Tech Corp. The GRAS status covers the use of Reb C as a general purpose sweetener in blends containing Rebaudioside A stevia extract and from 10% to 50% Reb C.

“GLG is the first to market with a GRAS Reb C blend that will provide our customers with a superior flavor profile than existing Reb A stevia sweeteners,” said Luke Zhang, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of GLG Life Tech. “Our patented non-G.M.O. agriculture breeding program once again enables GLG to provide our superior Reb C Gold blends on a commercial scale. Customers can expect to receive samples shortly of our Reb C Gold products and commence their formulation work.”

GLG Life Tech’s breeding program developed seedling with Reb C concentrations of nearly 7%, which compares to historical Reb C concentrations of about 1%. GLG Life Tech filed its GRAS notice with the F.D.A. after GRAS Associates, L.L.C., which is based in Bend, Ore., and provides technical consultation, reported the results of its studies and its conclusion that Reb C is GRAS.