An apparatus for producing a moulded food item comprises: a depositor for depositing a flowable food mass to a one or more moulds, wherein a mould has a opening of pre-determined dimensions； and a restriction element forming one or more apertures which restrict the flow of the food mass from the depositor to substantially the same dimensions as the mould opening. Preferably, the depositor comprises a spray or curtain nozzle. The restriction element may comprise a planar stencil with a plurality of openings. Alternatively, the restriction element may be cylinder with a plurality of apertures capable of being in rotatable registration with a plurality of mould openings. The apparatus may be used to deposit the shell of centre-filled chocolates.
