Health · Healthcare & Policy · 19 hrs ago
India proposes banning added sugars in foods for infants up to six months
India's food regulator FSSAI has proposed a ban on adding sucrose and fructose to foods intended for infants up to six months old.
Under current rules, those sugars may be added when needed as a carbohydrate source, within set limits.
The draft would remove that option for products meant for this age group.
The government says limiting early exposure to added sugars may support healthier dietary habits and help address risks linked to childhood obesity.
The proposal also supports exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, as recommended by public health guidance.
Stakeholders have 60 days to submit feedback on the draft.
FSSAI will consider the submissions before deciding whether to finalise and notify the amendment, so the proposed restriction is not yet in force.
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority has proposed banning added sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months old.
The proposal is part of a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
The draft was published for public consultation, with stakeholders invited to submit objections and suggestions within 60 days.
The government says the restriction would reduce early exposure to added sugars and support age-appropriate infant nutrition.
The proposal complements public health recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.
- Who
- India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) proposed the change.
- What
- It proposes prohibiting added sucrose and fructose in food products for infants up to six months old.
- When
- The draft was published in the Gazette of India on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The government says the measure would reduce early exposure to added sugars and ensure products meet infants’ nutritional needs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
India’s Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations set standards for infant nutrition products.
The draft amendment was published in the Gazette of India.
Stakeholders may submit objections and suggestions on the draft.
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Age group
- Infants up to six months old
- Proposed restriction
- No added sucrose or fructose in products intended for this age group
- Draft regulation
- Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026
- Consultation period
- 60 days
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What people are saying
FSSAI proposes strengthening infant nutrition standards by restricting the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months of age.
The draft amendment aims to reduce early exposure to added sugars
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,
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FSSAI proposes strengthening infant nutrition standards by restricting the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months of age. The draft amendment aims to reduce early exposure to added sugars. #FSSAINotification #InfantNutrition