New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose in nutrition products intended for infants up to six months of age, as part of efforts to strengthen nutritional standards and reduce early exposure to added sugars.
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 amendment seeks to strengthen the existing regulatory framework by ensuring that infant nutrition products meet age-appropriate nutritional requirements, particularly during the first six months of life.
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, nutritional composition, quality and safety standards are prescribed for various categories of infant food products intended for children from birth to 24 months.
The existing regulations identify lactose and glucose polymers as preferred carbohydrate sources, while permitting the addition of sucrose and fructose when required as carbohydrate sources, subject to specified limits.
The proposed amendment introduces a specific restriction for products intended for infants up to six months of age.
“Sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months,” the draft notification states.
According to the FSSAI, the first six months of life are crucial for healthy growth and development, making appropriate nutrition essential during this period.
The proposed restriction aims to ensure that infant nutrition products meet nutritional requirements without unnecessary added sugars.
The measure is also intended to address public health concerns associated with early exposure to added sugars, including dietary risk factors linked to childhood obesity and related health complications.
The initiative aligns with established public health recommendations advocating exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.
By tightening nutritional standards, the FSSAI aims to encourage manufacturers to develop formulations that prioritise the nutritional needs of young infants while supporting appropriate feeding practices.
The proposed amendment also reflects the food regulator’s focus on science-based standards, responsible product formulation and preventive nutrition as part of broader efforts to safeguard children’s health.
The draft notification has been released for public consultation, with stakeholders invited to submit objections and suggestions within 60 days from the date the Official Gazette notification is made available to the public.
The FSSAI will examine the representations received during the consultation period before finalising the proposed amendment.
[DD news]