information and consultation document on health canadas proposal to allow the use of the food additive steviol glycosides as a table-to sweetener and as a sweetener in certain food categories this document provides information on health canadas proposal to amend the food and drug regulations regulations to approve the use of the food additive steviol gylcosides as a table-to sweetener and as a sweetener in certain food categories. health canada has received three separate submissions requesting the use of the food additive steviol glycosides as a sweetener. while one submission only requested the use of steviol glycosides in table-to sweeteners the other two have requested that steviol glycosides be permitted for use in a variety of unstandardized foods at maximum levels of use. these unstandardized foods include table-to sweeteners breakfast cereals beverage mixes unstandardized beverage mixes unstandardized beverage concentrates unstandardized dessert mixes fillings fillings mixes toppings topping mixes unstandardized desserts yogurt breath freshener products chewing gum unstandardized fruit spreads unstandardized purees and sauces unstandardized table syrup peanut spreads nut spreads unstandardized salad dressings unstandardized condiments confectionery glazes for snack foods sweetened seasonings or coating mixes for snack foods unstandardized confectionery unstandardized confectionery coatings and unstandardized bakery products and baking mixes. these maximum levels of use generally correspond to the levels currently permitted for steviol glycosides under the codex alimentarius commissions general standard for food additives gsfa . food additives undergo pre-market approval in canada. permitted food additives are listed in the food additive tables in division 16 part b of the regulations. table ix lists those food additives that may be used as sweeteners. table ix does not currently provide for the use of steviol glycosides. health canada has completed a safety assessment of all relevant information including information provided in support of the proposed use of steviol glycosides as described in three food additive submissions and determined that there are no health or safety concerns associated with the use of steviol glycosides in the prescribed applications. furthermore the department has determined that the petitioners have satisfactorily met the requirements for a food additive submission outlined in section b.16.002 of the regulations. therefore health canada is proposing to allow steviol glycosides to be legally enabled for use as described in the following technical consultation document