FSSAI Proposes Ban on Sugar in Infant Food Products for Babies Under Six Months
The FSSAI proposes to prohibit sugar in infant food for babies under six months, enhancing child nutrition and public health.
New Delhi, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken a significant step to enhance nutritional safety for infants. On October 16, 2026, it published a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, proposing a ban on the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products designed for babies up to six months old.
This amendment aims to strengthen the existing regulatory framework to ensure that infant nutrition products are formulated based on essential nutrients appropriate for their age. A particular emphasis is placed on reducing the intake of added sugars during the critical early stages of life.
Current regulations provide detailed guidelines on the nutritional composition, quality, and safety standards for various infant nutrition products for children from birth to 24 months. They prioritize lactose and glucose polymers as carbohydrate sources, allowing sucrose or fructose only when necessary and within specified limits.
The proposed amendment specifically states that “products made for infants up to six months of age should not contain sucrose and fructose.” This restriction is crucial as the first six months of life are vital for healthy growth and development, necessitating appropriate nutrition.
The intent of this proposal is to meet the nutritional needs of this age group without the unnecessary addition of sugars. It also supports broader public health efforts to address concerns regarding the consumption of added sugars in early childhood, which can contribute to obesity and other health issues.
This initiative reinforces established public health recommendations promoting exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. By tightening standards for infant nutrition products, the proposed amendment supports healthy feeding practices and encourages manufacturers to prioritize the specific nutritional needs of young infants.
The draft notification has been released for public consultation, inviting feedback from stakeholders. Comments and suggestions can be submitted within 60 days from the date the official gazette copies become available to the public. The FSSAI will consider all feedback before finalizing the amendment.
