FSSAI has proposed barring added sucrose and fructose from nutrition products for infants up to six months. (AI-image)

FSSAI proposes ban on added sugars in infant foods for babies under 6 months

FSSAI has proposed barring added sucrose and fructose from nutrition products for infants up to six months. The draft seeks stronger nutritional safeguards and reduced exposure to added sugars during early infancy.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Current rules prefer lactose and glucose polymers as carbohydrate sources
  • Existing provisions currently permit sucrose and fructose within specified limits
  • First six months are crucial for infant growth and development

India’s food safety regulator has proposed restricting the addition of sucrose and fructose in infant nutrition products meant for babies up to six months of age. The draft amendment aims to strengthen nutritional standards and minimise exposure to added sugars during early infancy.

WHAT HAS FSSAI PROPOSED?

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.

The proposal is part of the draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on October 16.

The draft states that “sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months”.

The amendment seeks to strengthen existing regulations governing the nutritional composition, quality and safety of infant nutrition products.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT RULES?

Under the existing Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, infant nutrition products must comply with prescribed nutritional composition and safety standards.

The current provisions identify lactose and glucose polymers as preferred carbohydrate sources. Sucrose and fructose may be added when required as carbohydrate sources, subject to specified limits.

The proposed amendment seeks to introduce a specific restriction for products intended for infants up to six months of age.

If finalised, the change would strengthen the rules governing the formulation of these products for the youngest age group.

WHY THE FIRST SIX MONTHS MATTER

The first six months of life are crucial for an infant’s growth and development, making appropriate nutrition particularly important.

The proposed restriction aims to minimise unnecessary exposure to added sugars in infant nutrition products. Early dietary habits and nutrition are important public health considerations, particularly given concerns about childhood obesity and related health risks.

The proposal also aligns with established public health recommendations that promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.

However, the draft amendment specifically concerns the addition of sucrose and fructose to regulated infant nutrition products. It should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on all carbohydrates or naturally occurring sugars in infant foods.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The draft notification has been published for public consultation. FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 60 days from the date on which copies of the Official Gazette containing the notification are made available to the public.

The regulator will consider the representations received within the prescribed period before finalising the amendment.

Until the proposal is finalised, it remains a draft regulation, rather than a confirmed change to the existing rules.

- Ends