Dec 18 - Malaysia-based sweetener group PureCircle Ltd said on Thursday it received U.S. approval for its natural no-calorie sweetener Reb-A, sending its shares up 15 percent in morning trade.
The AIM-listed company said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a no objection letter indicating that Reb-A is Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS), which will allow the natural sweetener to be launched in the U.S food and beverage industry.
Earlier this year, PureCircle had announced contract extensions with Cargill Inc [CARG.UL] and major new contracts with PepsiCo Inc and Whole Earth Sweetener Co for the supply of Reb A in beverages, foods and tabletop sweeteners worldwide.
At 0845 GMT PureCircle shares were up 20.5 pence at 156.5 pence.