Food regulator FSSAI has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose to food products intended for infants up to six months of age to minimise early exposure to added sugars and strengthen nutritional safeguards.
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, proposing 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.
The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026 has been issued for public consultation. Stakeholders can submit objections and suggestions within 60 days.
The proposed amendment seeks to strengthen the existing regulatory framework by ensuring that infant nutrition products meet age-appropriate nutritional requirements, with a focus on minimising exposure to added sugars during the earliest stages of life.
Under the existing regulations, comprehensive nutritional composition, quality and safety standards are prescribed for various categories of infant nutrition products intended for children from birth up to 24 months of age.
Lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred sources of carbohydrates under the current provisions. Sucrose and/or fructose can be added only when required as a carbohydrate source and subject to prescribed limits.
The draft amendment now proposes a specific restriction on these sugars in products intended for infants up to six months of age. The proposed provision states that "sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months".
"The first six months of life represent a critical period for healthy growth and development, making appropriate nutrition particularly important. The proposed restriction seeks to ensure that infant nutrition products meet the nutritional needs of this age group without unnecessary addition of sucrose and fructose," the ministry observed.
The proposal also aims to support broader public health efforts to address concerns associated with early exposure to added sugars, including dietary risk factors linked to childhood obesity and related health challenges.
"The initiative complements established public health recommendations promoting exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life," the ministry said.
The proposed amendment also seeks to support appropriate infant feeding practices and encourage manufacturers to formulate products that prioritise the specific nutritional requirements of young infants.
FSSAI focuses on science-based food standards, responsible product formulation and preventive nutrition, the ministry said.
The regulator will consider all representations received within the prescribed period before finalising the amendment.