India’s food regulator has proposed a ban on adding sucrose and fructose to food products meant for infants up to six months of age. The aim is to limit babies’ early exposure to added sugar and strengthen nutritional safeguards for the youngest children.
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, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The draft says that sucrose and fructose “shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months.”
What the draft says
The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, is meant to tighten the existing framework so that infant nutrition products match age-appropriate nutritional needs.
It has been published for public consultation. Stakeholders can send objections and suggestions within 60 days. FSSAI will consider all representations received in that period before finalizing the amendment.
What the rules say now
Current regulations lay down nutritional composition, quality and safety standards for infant nutrition products meant for children from birth up to 24 months.
Under these rules, lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred sources of carbohydrates. Sucrose or fructose can be added only when required as a carbohydrate source, and within prescribed limits. The new draft would remove that option for products meant for babies up to six months.
Why the ministry wants the change
The ministry said the first six months of life are a critical period for growth and development, which makes appropriate nutrition especially important. The restriction, it said, seeks to ensure that products meet the needs of this age group without unnecessary sucrose and fructose.
The proposal also supports wider public health efforts to address early exposure to added sugars, including dietary risk factors linked to childhood obesity and related health problems.
The ministry added that the move complements public health advice promoting exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. It also encourages manufacturers to adopt formulations that prioritise the specific needs of young infants.
Part of a wider push
The proposal comes amid a series of recent FSSAI actions. The regulator has begun prosecution proceedings against companies including Surya Food & Agro, the maker of Priyagold biscuits, and Dodla Dairy. It has also proposed pesticide residue limits for tea and issued an advisory on temperature-controlled transport of perishables.
The ministry said FSSAI is focusing on science-based food standards, responsible product formulation and preventive nutrition.
What happens next
The draft is not final. Once the 60-day consultation window closes, FSSAI will review the feedback before deciding on the amendment.