FSSAI Proposes Ban on Sucrose, Fructose in Infant Foods Up to Six Months

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020. This amendment proposes to "prohibit the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months of age," according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This move aims to safeguard children's health by minimizing early exposure to added sugar and strengthen nutritional safeguards for infants.

The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, seeks to reinforce the existing regulatory framework. It ensures that infant nutrition products align with age-appropriate nutritional requirements. The draft notification has been released for public consultation, allowing stakeholders 60 days to submit objections and suggestions.

Currently, existing regulations outline comprehensive nutritional composition, quality, and safety standards for infant nutrition products for children up to 24 months. Lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred carbohydrate sources, with sucrose and/or fructose permitted only as necessary and within prescribed limits. The proposed amendment specifically restricts adding sucrose and fructose to products for infants up to six months, stating they "shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months."

The Ministry observed that the first six months are a critical period for healthy growth, making appropriate nutrition vital. This restriction ensures products meet nutritional needs without unnecessary added sugars. It also supports broader public health efforts against concerns like childhood obesity linked to early sugar exposure and complements recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, encouraging manufacturers to prioritize young infants' specific nutritional requirements. The FSSAI, focused on science-based food standards, will consider all representations before finalizing the amendment.

What to watch: The public consultation period for the FSSAI's draft amendment.

Editor's note: The article accurately reflects all key points from the source, including the specific regulatory details and the purpose of the amendment.