FSSAI proposes ban on sucrose, fructose in infant foods for babies up to six months

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, proposing to prohibit 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, was published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2026. It seeks to strengthen the regulatory framework by ensuring that infant nutrition products are formulated in accordance with age-appropriate nutritional requirements, with a focus on minimising exposure to added sugars during the early stages of life.

The existing regulations prescribe nutritional composition, quality and safety standards for 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 restriction on the addition of sucrose and fructose in products intended for infants up to six months of age. The proposed provision states that “sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months”.

The first six months of life are a period of growth and development, making appropriate nutrition important. The proposed restriction seeks to ensure that infant nutrition products meet the nutritional needs of this age group without the addition of sucrose and fructose. The measure is also intended to support 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.

The initiative complements public health recommendations promoting exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. By strengthening standards for infant nutrition products, the proposed amendment seeks to support infant feeding practices and encourage manufacturers to adopt formulations that meet the nutritional requirements of young infants.

The proposed measure reflects FSSAI’s focus on science-based food standards, product formulation and preventive nutrition. It also highlights the importance of safeguarding children’s nutritional well-being from the early stages of life as part of the country’s public health priorities.

The draft notification has been published for public consultation. Stakeholders can 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 representations received within the prescribed period before finalising the amendment.