The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months of age, as part of efforts to strengthen nutritional safeguards for young children.
The proposed restriction is outlined in the draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2026.
The draft seeks to strengthen existing standards by ensuring infant nutrition products are formulated to meet age-appropriate nutritional requirements, with particular emphasis on minimising exposure to added sugars in the earliest stages of life.
The existing Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020 prescribe comprehensive nutritional composition, quality and safety standards for various categories of infant nutrition products intended for children from birth up to 24 months of age.
Under the current provisions, lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred sources of carbohydrates, while sucrose and/or fructose may be added only when required as a carbohydrate source, subject to prescribed limits.
The draft amendment proposes a specific restriction for products intended for infants up to six months of age. It states that “sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months”.
The proposed change underscores the importance of appropriate nutrition during the first six months of life, a critical period for healthy growth and development.
The measure is also intended 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.
Furthermore, the proposed amendment seeks to support appropriate infant feeding practices while encouraging manufacturers to adopt formulations that prioritise the specific nutritional requirements of young infants.
The move also reflects FSSAI’s continued focus on science-based food standards, responsible product formulation and preventive nutrition.
Public consultation
FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions on the draft amendment from stakeholders within 60 days from the date on which copies of the Official Gazette containing the notification are made available to the public.
