FSSAI proposes ban on added sugars in infant foods for babies under 6 months

India’s food safety regulator has proposed restricting the addition of sucrose and fructose in infant nutrition products meant for babies up to six months of age. The draft amendment aims to strengthen nutritional standards and minimise exposure to added sugars during early infancy.

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

The amendment seeks to strengthen existing regulations governing the nutritional composition,



quality and safety of infant nutrition products.

The first six months of life are crucial for an infant’s growth and development, making appropriate nutrition particularly important.

The proposed restriction aims to minimise unnecessary exposure to added sugars in infant nutrition products. Early dietary habits and nutrition are important public health considerations, particularly given concerns about childhood obesity and related health risks.

The proposal also aligns with established public health recommendations that promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.

However, the draft amendment specifically concerns the addition of sucrose and fructose to regulated infant nutrition products. It should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on all carbohydrates or naturally occurring sugars in infant foods.