Dear Mr. Rodes:

This letter is written in response to the May 13, l998 letter by Ms. Jaylene M. Sarracino, Esq., addressed to the attention of
Ms. Stella Notzon of this office, on the subject of further detainment of Stevita co. stevia products under Entry Numbers
125-0981854-3 & 125-0981567-1. Ms. Sarracino's letter documents a telephone conversation with Ms. Notzon on the
subject of cookbooks and other publications used in the marketing of your stevia products. In her letter, Ms. Sarracino states
that on May 14, l998, Stevita Co. will discontinue the sale of any publications, and will sever all links to web-site information
referencing the questionable use of stevia products. She indicates the stevia products will be marketed strictly as dietary
supplements with only the labeling currently appearing on the product containers.

The agency appreciates Stevita Co's expressed intention to comply with the law. However, a current inventory must be taken
by an investigator of this office, who will also be available TO WITNESS DESTRUCTION OF THE COOKBOOKS,
LITERATURE AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS for the purpose of verifying compliance. Additionally, your stevia products
currently in distributor and retail channels with the offending cookbooks, literature and other publications continue to be in
violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the Act). These products are unapproved food additives in violation of
Section 409, and adulterated within the meaning of Section 402 (a) (2) (c) of the Act.

We are prepared to pursue further regulatory action against these products should they continue to be adulterated in
distribution. The inspection of your facility on April 27, l998 conducted jointly by investigators of the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and the Texas Department of Health, along with visits to your consignees, documented your firm's
continued marketing of your stevia products as conventional foods accompanied by OFFENDING LITERATURE,
COOKBOOKS, AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS, in violation of the Act as cited in the FDA warning letter of March 6,
1998.

Further regulatory action will be considered against new shipments of stevia products marketed in this manner, as well as
against those parent lots from which the adulterated products are being marketed.

If you have any questions regarding this letter, you may call me at 214 655-5318, ext. 517.

Sincerely, James R. Lahar
Compliance Officer