The Managing Directors/CEO's/Owners/Director/Partners/General Managers
All FHRAI Members

CC:  All Members of the Executive Committee
        All Regional Associations

        President FHRAI

SUBJECT : USE OF STEVIOL GLYCOSIDE (STEVIA) IN ‘COCOA AND CHOCOLATE PRODUCTS’ AND ‘IMITATION CHOCOLATE’

Dear Member,

This is to inform you that FSSAI issued a circular dated 23rd  November, 2023 pertains to Use of Steviol Glycoside (Stevia) in ‘Cocoa and Chocolate Products’ and ‘Imitation Chocolate’. Highlights of the Circular are given as the following:

• At present ‘steviol glycoside (INS 960)’ as an additive is not permitted for use in ‘Cocoa and Chocolate products’ (FCS 5.1.3) and ‘Imitation chocolate, chocolate substitute products’ (FCS 5.1.4) as per extant FSS (Food Product Standards & Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
• As ‘steviol glycoside’ is permitted as an additive in other food categories such as Dairy-based drinks, Powder analogues, Dairy based desserts, Edible ices, Canned or bottled (pasteurized) fruit etc., the Food Business Operators (FBOs) cannot seek approval as ‘Non-Specified Food/Food Ingredient/Food Additive’ under FSS (Approval for Non-Specific Food and Food Ingredients) Regulation, 2017.
• The FBOs are directed to ensure that such products are not manufactured and/or sold in the market/e-commerce platform.
• The usage of 'Steviol Glycoside' in the above said products is restricted until FSSAI makes a final  decision.

You may access the Circular through the following link.

This is for your information please.

With regards,

Jaison Chacko
Secretary General
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The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India
Regd. Off. :  B-82, 8th Floor, Himalaya House, 23, K G Marg, New Delhi - 110 001
Tel.: 011-40780780, Email: fhrai@fhrai.com, Web.: www.fhrai.com