Hyderabad, Oct. 17: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose to food products intended for infants up to six months of age.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the proposal in a statement on Saturday. The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, aims to strengthen nutritional safeguards for young infants.
Published in the Gazette of India on October 16, the draft amendment is open for public consultation. Stakeholders can submit objections and suggestions within 60 days.
FSSAI Draft Targets Added Sugars in Infant Nutrition
The existing regulations prescribe nutritional composition, quality and safety standards for infant nutrition products intended for children from birth to 24 months.
Current rules identify lactose and glucose polymers as preferred carbohydrate sources. Sucrose and fructose may be added when required, subject to prescribed limits.
The proposed amendment would introduce a specific restriction on adding sucrose and fructose to products intended for infants up to six months old.
The first six months are critical for healthy growth and development. The proposed restriction aims to ensure infant nutrition products meet age appropriate nutritional requirements and limit early exposure to added sugars.
The initiative also supports public health efforts to address dietary risk factors associated with childhood obesity and related health challenges.
FSSAI will consider the representations received within the consultation period before finalising the amendment. The proposal complements public health recommendations promoting exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.
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