International Stevia Council Begins Steviol Glycoside Testing Program

The International Stevia Council (ISC; Brussels) is launching a Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) to measure steviol glycoside content in stevia-based sweeteners. The aim of the program is to establish an industry standard for accurate analytical methods and standards in the stevia industry-where the ISC says current methods are numerous and often inconsistent.

LGC Standards Limited will conduct the PTP. The program allows participants to benchmark their own methods and standards in accordance with industry standards. Those who sign up for the program will receive four rounds of stevia samples and must submit a statistical analysis of each. No new research equipment is required.

The program is currently restricted to stevia-based sweeteners in compliance with JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) purity specifications.

The ISC notes that similar programs exist for corn-based sweeteners, sugar, food, and botanical industries.

Visit the International Stevia Council’s website for more information about enrolling in the stevia standards testing program.