The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put forward a proposal to ban the addition of sucrose and fructose in infant nutrition products designed for babies aged up to six months. This initiative is part of a draft amendment aimed at enhancing nutritional standards and reducing exposure to added sugars during the critical early months of life.

The draft amendment is outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, which was published in the Gazette of India on October 16, 2026. According to the draft, the addition of sucrose and fructose in products intended for infants up to six months is prohibited. This proposed regulation is intended to bolster existing guidelines governing the nutritional composition, quality, and safety of infant nutrition products.

It ensures that they meet the required standards for the youngest age group. The FSSAI’s initiative reflects growing concerns about the nutritional quality of foods available for infants and aims to promote healthier dietary practices from an early age. The proposed amendment is a significant step towards ensuring that infants receive optimal nutrition without unnecessary additives.

Current Regulations on Infant Foods

The existing Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, stipulate that infant nutrition products must adhere to specific nutritional composition and safety standards. Under these regulations, lactose and glucose polymers are identified as the preferred sources of carbohydrates. While sucrose and fructose can be included as carbohydrate sources, their addition is currently subject to specified limits.

The new proposal seeks to introduce a targeted restriction specifically for products aimed at infants under six months, thereby enhancing the existing rules. If implemented, this change would further strengthen the regulatory framework governing infant nutrition products, ensuring that they are formulated with the utmost care for this vulnerable age group.

By limiting the addition of certain sugars, the FSSAI aims to promote healthier eating habits from infancy, which can have lasting effects on a child’s development and health. The proposal is a response to increasing awareness of the importance of early nutrition and its implications for long-term health outcomes.

Importance of Nutrition in Early Infancy

The first six months of life are critical for an infant’s growth and development, making appropriate nutrition essential. The proposed ban on added sugars aims to decrease unnecessary exposure to these ingredients in infant nutrition products. Early dietary habits are pivotal in shaping a child’s health trajectory, particularly in light of rising concerns regarding childhood obesity and associated health risks.

This proposal aligns with established public health guidelines that advocate for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. The focus on minimising added sugars is a proactive measure to support healthier dietary patterns from the outset. It is important to note that the draft amendment specifically addresses the addition of sucrose and fructose and does not impose a blanket ban on all carbohydrates or naturally occurring sugars in infant foods.

The FSSAI’s initiative reflects a commitment to improving infant health and nutrition, recognising the long-term benefits of sound dietary practices initiated during infancy. By ensuring that infant nutrition products are free from certain added sugars, the proposal aims to foster a healthier future generation.

Next Steps in the Regulatory Process

The draft notification is currently open for public consultation, allowing stakeholders to provide objections and suggestions within 60 days from the date the Official Gazette containing the notification is made available. This period is crucial for gathering feedback from various parties interested in infant nutrition.

The FSSAI will consider all representations received during this timeframe before finalising the amendment. Until the proposal is officially adopted, it remains a draft regulation and has not yet been confirmed as a change to the existing rules. This process ensures that the final regulations reflect a comprehensive understanding of the needs and concerns surrounding infant nutrition.

As discussions continue, the FSSAI’s proposal represents a significant move towards enhancing the safety and quality of food products for infants, ultimately aiming to safeguard their health and well-being during a vital stage of development.

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