FSSAI proposes ban on added sucrose, fructose in food for infants under 6 months

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed banning the addition of sucrose and fructose to food products meant for infants aged up to six months, seeking to strengthen safeguards around early-life nutrition.

The proposed measure 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 draft aims to ensure that products intended for young infants meet their specific nutritional requirements while limiting early exposure to added sugars. It also aligns with broader public health efforts to reduce dietary risks associated with childhood obesity and related conditions.

Under existing rules, lactose and glucose polymers are preferred carbohydrate sources in infant nutrition products. Sucrose and fructose are permitted only when needed as carbohydrate sources and within specified limits.

The proposed amendment would introduce a specific prohibition on adding these two sugars to products intended for babies up to six months old.

FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 60 days of the notification’s publication. The submissions received during this period will be reviewed before the amendment is finalised.

The proposal also supports established public health recommendations advocating exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, when adequate nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development.

With IANS inputs