FSSAI mulls stricter regulations for baby food, proposes ban on added sugar
The ministry of health and family welfare said the emphasis is on minimising exposure to added sugars during the earliest stages of life.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a ban on added sucrose and fructose in food products meant for infants up to six months old. This comes as part of the proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, which were published in the Gazette of India on October 16, 2026.
The draft regulations aim to ensure that the nutritional requirements of infants in their first six months of life are met without the addition of these sugars. The first six months are considered a critical period for infant growth and development, and appropriate nutrition during this time is vital. Early exposure to added sugars is a public health concern because it can influence dietary preferences and long-term dietary habits, contributing to unhealthy dietary patterns and childhood obesity.
The proposal also supports public health recommendations that advocate for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, followed by the introduction of nutritionally adequate complementary foods. The FSSAI has invited stakeholders to submit objections and suggestions within 60 days of the official gazette containing the notification.
The proposed restriction will only become part of the regulatory framework after the amendment is finalized and notified.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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