In Oct of 2006 the Grocery Manufacturers Association submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a citizen's petition to revise the standards of identity for over 270 foods marketed in the U.S. The process includes a period for review and comment from stakeholders before any changes are made.
In August 2007, the FDA affirmed that process and stated to confectionery manufacturers that the agency did not plan to alter the current standards of identity (21 CFR Part 163 Cacao Products) for chocolate unless it received clear direction from the industry as a whole on proposed changes.
The U.S. chocolate and cocoa confectionery industry has determined that industry supports the current U.S. standards of identity for cocoa and chocolate.