FSSAI Proposes Ban on Added Sugars in Infant Foods
Draft rules seek to prohibit added sucrose and fructose in products for babies up to six months, with public feedback invited.
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GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th Oct: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months of age, aiming to strengthen nutritional safeguards during early development.
The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published on October 16, proposes changes to the existing 2020 regulations governing infant nutrition products.
Under the current rules, lactose and glucose polymers are preferred carbohydrate sources, while sucrose and fructose may be added when required, subject to prescribed limits. The proposed amendment would introduce a specific restriction on adding these sugars to products intended for infants in their first six months.
The draft states that sucrose and fructose shall not be added to products intended for infants up to six months of age.
The first six months are crucial for a child’s growth and development, making appropriate nutrition particularly important. The proposed restriction aims to prevent unnecessary exposure to added sugars and ensure that infant food products meet age-specific nutritional needs.
The measure also aligns with public health recommendations supporting exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. FSSAI said stronger standards would support preventive healthcare and efforts to address dietary risk factors associated with childhood obesity and other health concerns.
The draft has been opened for public consultation. Stakeholders can submit objections and suggestions within 60 days from the date the relevant Gazette notification is made available to the public. The authority will consider the submissions before finalising the amendment.
