Today's products are usually 3 mg, with some doctors now suggesting that they should be below 1 mg. Organic sugar is controversial only because, reportedly companies who have been polluting for years are now selling organic sugar. Organic food guru Tom Harding thinks otherwise. He points out that conventional sugar production is very toxic to the environment, and this is a good trend, which should be encouraged. As the market grows, he hopes that more sugar-producing companies will shift production into organic, even if they are currently major polluters.
Stevia is a subject which always generates many questions, for a number of reasons.
Actually, according to the HRF, numerous scientists, and tens of millions of consumers throughout the world, especially in Japan, the herb is safe and intensely sweet, which could make it a popular non-caloric sweetener. Now, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 has forced FDA to allow it in dietary supplements. The agency says it's still illegal to use it as a food ingredient, placing them in the rather stupid position of saying it's safe if labeled as a supplement, but not when sold in or as a food. Dr. Young implored his managers not to place the agency in a position which made it appear foolish by violating obvious common sense. The rule was reportedly prompted by the FDA's case against ginseng capsules years ago.