I want as many people as possible to learn about this amazing herb. Stevia was first discovered by western explorers around the turn of the century, but has been used widely in the U.S. for only the last decade or so. It was not allowed in the U.S. for a few years until 1994, when it was again allowed as a dietary supplement. The official statement by the FDA was that they claimed there had not been enough studies showing that stevia was safe. In reality, there have been quite a few studies showing safety and tons has been used in Japan with no ill effects.
Stevia is legal for use as a dietary supplement.
That's why it is labeled as such and found in health food stores. Food companies are not allowed to use it in food products found in grocery stores, so you need to cook with it yourself. We use 1 teaspoon white stevia extract powder in place of 1 cup. Stevia hurts my mouth when i eat it plain. It reminds me of the taste of saccharine, sweet in small quantities but bitter when tasted straight.