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New Delhi: Infant nutrition products meant for babies up to six months of age could soon be barred from containing added sucrose and fructose, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India proposing a specific restriction aimed at reducing early exposure to added sugars during a critical stage of growth and development.
FSSAI has published draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, proposing that “sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months.”
PIB India (@PIB_India) — October 17, 2026
The draft amendment was published in the Gazette of India on October 16 and seeks to strengthen the existing Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
The current regulations prescribe nutritional composition, quality and safety standards for different categories of infant nutrition products intended for children from birth up to 24 months of age.
Under the existing framework, lactose and glucose polymers are treated as preferred carbohydrate sources, while sucrose and fructose may be added when required as carbohydrate sources within prescribed limits.
The proposed amendment would introduce a clear prohibition on adding sucrose and fructose to products specifically intended for infants during their first six months.
FSSAI said the first six months represent a crucial period for healthy growth and development and that infant nutrition products should meet the nutritional requirements of this age group without unnecessary addition of sucrose and fructose.
The proposal is also intended to support wider public-health efforts addressing concerns associated with early exposure to added sugars, including dietary risk factors linked to childhood obesity and related health challenges.
The measure complements established public-health recommendations that promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.
By tightening formulation standards for infant nutrition products, the draft seeks to encourage manufacturers to design products around the specific nutritional requirements of young infants rather than rely on unnecessary added sugars.
FSSAI said the proposal forms part of its wider focus on science-based food standards, responsible product formulation and preventive nutrition, with child health protection beginning from the earliest stages of life.
The amendment is still at the draft stage and has been opened for public consultation.
Stakeholders may 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.
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