FSAI approves monk fruit decoctions for sale in the EU

IRELAND – The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has approved monk fruit decoctions for sale in the European Union (EU).

This decision was based on evidence submitted by the company showing that the ingredient is “not novel” in the region. 

As a result, monk fruit decoctions can now be used as an ingredient in food and beverage (F&B) products sold in the country. 

This approval brings the EU in line with several other countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, India, and Israel, where regulatory approvals for monk fruit have already been established.

David Thorrold, Monk Fruit Corp’s General Manager of Sales and Marketing, expressed his satisfaction with the FSAI’s decision.

“We are delighted by the news from the FSAI confirming monk fruit decoctions are not novel food in the EU. This aligns with the June 2024 decision by the UK and adds a great-tasting, clean label, 100% natural option to the sugar reduction toolkit,” Thorrold commented. 

He further noted that monk fruit decoctions hold great potential for use in the EU market, particularly due to their unique ability to impart sweetness with minimal sugar and calories. 

This is largely due to the naturally occurring mogroside molecule found in monk fruit, which provides sweetness without the typical calorie count associated with other sweeteners.

Monk fruit decoctions are made through a process that involves combining plant material with hot water to dissolve water-soluble compounds, creating an extraction solution. 

The process can use either fresh or dried monk fruit, with the decoctions traditionally consumed as hot or cold teas and infusions.

However, monk fruit decoctions can also be incorporated into a wide variety of food products, including soups, sauces, stews, baked goods, desserts, and breakfast cereals. 

This versatility makes it an attractive ingredient for food manufacturers looking for natural sugar reduction alternatives.

Unlike monk fruit extract sweeteners, which are classified as food additives, monk fruit decoctions are considered traditional foods and can be labeled as “concentrated monk fruit infusion.” 

According to Thorrold, this classification gives the ingredient a unique consumer appeal as it presents a 100% natural, low-calorie option rather than a processed additive. 

“Consumers are likely to accept monk fruit decoctions because of the “fruit” designation, which conveys a sense of safety, familiarity, and a great taste profile.”

He highlighted that the product is “clean label” and fits well into the trend of offering healthier, more transparent ingredients in F&B products.

Monk Fruit Corp has clarified that its monk fruit decoctions differ from monk fruit extract sweeteners, which involve a selective concentration process to boost mogroside V levels, often over 50%. 

As a result, monk fruit extract sweeteners are considered food additives and are not currently approved in the UK or EU. 

In contrast, monk fruit decoctions, which do not undergo this concentration process, are considered equivalent to traditional food preparations and are not classified as additives. 

This distinction has allowed Monk Fruit Corp to secure approval from both the FSAI and the UK FSA, further reinforcing their classification as “not novel.”

Monk Fruit Corp anticipates strong demand for its monk fruit decoctions in the EU market, particularly among its global customers who have already shown interest in extending the use of the ingredient. 

Thorrold emphasized that several large food and beverage companies have been eager to integrate monk fruit decoctions into their product lines for the UK and EU markets. 

As the company continues to expand its presence globally, the approval in the EU is expected to open up new opportunities for sugar-reduced, clean-label product innovation.

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