FSSAI Proposes Ban on Added Sugars in Food for Young Infants

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has proposed a complete ban on adding sucrose and fructose to food products meant for babies up to six months old.

The New Proposal

The draft Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulations of 2026 were published in the Gazette of India on October 16. These rules seek to change the existing standards for infant nutrition products. Current rules from 2020 allow sucrose and fructose as carbohydrate sources under certain limits. The new draft removes this allowance for babies in their first six months of life.

Health Concerns

The government stated that the first six months are vital for a baby's growth. Early exposure to added sugars creates public health worries because it shapes long-term eating habits and food choices. Poor eating patterns link directly to childhood obesity and other health issues later in life. This step also supports global advice on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

Next Steps

The draft notification is now open for public feedback. People and groups can send in their objections and suggestions within 60 days. The authority will review these inputs before making the final rule official.

Context

Food safety regulators regularly update dietary standards to match evolving public health guidelines and protect vulnerable age groups. Public consultation periods are a standard part of the rulemaking process in India, allowing experts and citizens to share feedback before laws take final effect.