India's Food Regulator Proposes Ban on Added Sugars in Infant Foods
The draft amendment gives stakeholders 60 days to respond and would keep added sugars out of formula for infants under 6 months.
- The FSSAI proposed banning added sweeteners such as sucrose and fructose in infant formula meant for babies up to six months old to promote healthier nutrition for children.
- A 2024 investigation by the Swiss NGO Public Eye found Nestle sold Cerelac with 2.7 grams of added sugar per serving in India, while the same product contained no added sugars in the UK and Germany.
- The draft amendment mandates removing added sugars for infants under six months; companies may continue using them for children aged six to 24 months within permissible limits.
- Supporting exclusive breastfeeding, the Union Health Ministry stated the measure addresses dietary risk factors including childhood obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease later in life.
- Stakeholders have 60 days to submit objections and comments on the proposal, aligning with The World Health Organization's guidance against introducing added sugars before the age of two years.
15 Articles
15 Articles
FSSAI proposes banning addition of fructose, sucrose in baby food products
The FSSAI has drafted an amendment to restrict the use of sucrose and fructose in infant food products aimed at infants below six months. This initiative is designed to elevate nutritional standards and minimize sugar intake in early childhood, directly relating to public health concerns like rising childhood obesity. Feedback from stakeholders is welcomed during the consultation period to discuss this impactful proposal.
FSSAI proposes ban on added sugar in baby food for infants aged up to six months
FSSAI’s draft amendment seeks to prohibit sucrose and fructose in infant nutrition products intended for babies aged up to six months, tightening standards amid concerns over early sugar exposure and childhood obesity.
FSSAI Notifies Draft Amendment to Infant Nutrition Regulations, Proposing Stronger Safeguards Against Added Sugars
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026 on Friday, seek to further strengthen the existing regulatory framework by ensuring that infant nutrition products are formulated in accordance with age-appropriate nutritional requirements, with particular emphasis on minimising exposure to added sugars during the earliest stages of life. India News …
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