The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive regarding the use of ‘steviol glycoside (INS 960)’ as an additive in specific food categories. This announcement was made by a notification dated November 23, 2023 and published on November 28, 2023.
As per this communication, it is clarified that ‘steviol glycoside (INS 960)’ is currently not permitted for use in ‘Cocoa and Chocolate products’ (FCS 5.1.3) and ‘Imitation chocolate, chocolate substitute products’ (FCS 5.1.4) under the existing Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Regulations, 2011.
Moreover, the amendment in the Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specific Food and Food Ingredients) Regulation, 2017, stipulates that applications for approval will be considered for ‘Food Additives’ not listed in the Food Safety and Standards Regulation (FSSR). However, since ‘steviol glycoside’ is already 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, Food Business Operators (FBOs) cannot seek approval as ‘Non-Specified Food/Food Ingredient/Food Additive’ under the mentioned regulation.
As a result, in accordance with the extant Food Safety and Standards Regulation (FSSR), the use of ‘steviol glycoside’ in Cocoa and Chocolate products is prohibited until any decision is made by the Authority.
FBOs are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this regulation, refraining from manufacturing and/or selling such products in the market and on e-commerce platforms. The directive extends to all Central Licensing Authorities and Commissioners of Food Safety in all States and Union Territories, urging them to take note of this provision for further necessary action.
