Indian Market Now Open For Stevia Leaf Extract In Food & Beverage Products

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved the use of high purity steviol glycosides extracted from the stevia leaf for use in several food and beverage products. The categories currently include dairy, fruit nectars, jams, jellies & marmalade, ice lollies, beverages and tabletop sweeteners.

Going forward, this means consumers can expect to see stevia as an ingredient in calorie and sugar-reduced products in these categories.

In addition, the FSSAI is considering an amendment of their food safety and standards regulations which may be finalized in the year 2016.  Based on its draft amendment that has been issued, when finalized, it will open the door for the use of naturally sourced high purity steviol glycosides in additional food categories such as; fruit & vegetable preparations, snacks and savories and many more.