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Decks have been cleared for the soft drinks and dairy companies to use ‘no calorie’ natural sweetener called steviol glycoside (stevia). The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has given its final approval by notifying amendments and permissible limits, which will allow food processing companies to use of this non-nutritive sweetener in 11 food categories.
These include dairy-based flavoured drinks, dairy-based deserts, yoghurt, non-carbonated water based beverages, ice lollies, jams, jellies & marmalades, ready to eat cereals, carbonated water, soft drink concentrate and chewing gum. Several MNC food processing companies had in the past applied to be able to use this additive and are expected to launch some of their zero or low calorie global products in the country.
In addition, steviol glycoside will be allowed to market as table top sweetener in tablet form powder and liquid. The food regulator had introduced the draft notification in March this year for public comments.
FSSAI has also notified other food additives related amendments including allowing use of lecithin in biscuits, besides others on caramel and glazing agents.
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