According to a statement issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on 23rd November 2023, stevia as an additive is not permitted for use of Cocoa and Chocolate products and imitation chocolate, chocolate substitute products, yet allowed in some other food categories such as Dairy-based drinks, Powder analogues, Dairy based desserts, Edible ices, Canned or bottled (pasteurized) fruit etc., following Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specific Food and Food Ingredients) Regulation.