FSSAI proposes ban on added sucrose, fructose in foods for infants up to six months

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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.

The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on Friday (October 16, 2026) proposes to amend the existing regulations governing the nutritional composition, quality and safety of infant nutrition products.

The proposed amendment states that “sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months”.

Under the existing Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred sources of carbohydrates in infant nutrition products. Sucrose and/or fructose may be added when required as a carbohydrate source, subject to prescribed limits.

The draft amendment seeks to introduce a specific restriction on their addition in products intended for infants in the first six months of life.

“The first six months are a critical period for infant growth and development, making appropriate nutrition particularly important. The proposed restriction aims to ensure that products intended for this age group meet their nutritional requirements without the addition of sucrose and fructose,” the government maintained in a release issued on Saturday (October 16).

It added that early exposure to added sugars is a public health concern because of its potential implications for the development of dietary preferences and long-term dietary habits. Unhealthy dietary patterns are among the risk factors associated with childhood obesity and related health problems.

“The proposal also complements public health recommendations advocating exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding during this period, followed by the introduction of nutritionally adequate complementary foods alongside continued breastfeeding,” said the release.

The notification has been issued for public consultation. Stakeholders have been invited to submit objections and suggestions within 60 days from the date on which copies of the official gazette containing the notification are made available to the public.

FSSAI will consider the representations received within the stipulated period before finalising the amendment. The proposed restriction will become part of the regulatory framework only after the amendment is finalised and notified.

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