FSSAI Proposal to Restrict Sucrose and Fructose in Infant Foods

Context

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months of age, through draft amendments issued in October 2026.

What the Proposal Changes

1. The proposal seeks to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
2. It would prohibit the addition of sucrose and fructose in products meant for infants up to six months.
3. The proposal is currently at the draft consultation stage and is not yet legally enforceable.
4. Existing regulations permitted limited use of sucrose or fructose in specified circumstances as carbohydrate sources.
5. The proposed change therefore represents a stricter nutritional standard for early infancy.

FSSAI and Legal Framework

1. FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
2. It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
3. Its mandate includes laying down science-based food standards and regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food.
4. The FSS Act consolidated multiple earlier food laws into a single national food-safety framework.
5. The infant-food proposal is therefore part of India’s broader statutory framework for food safety and nutrition regulation.

Public-Health Rationale

1. The first six months are a critical period for infant growth and development.
2. Early exposure to added sugars may shape a stronger preference for sweeter foods later in life.
3. Restricting sucrose and fructose reduces unnecessary sugar exposure during infancy and supports healthier dietary patterns.
4. The proposal complements the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, followed by appropriate complementary feeding.
5. It reflects a wider shift from merely ensuring food safety towards preventive nutrition and long-term health protection.

Related FSSAI Nutrition Initiatives

1. Eat Right India: Promotes safe, healthy and sustainable diets through regulation and behavioural change.
2. Aaj Se Thoda Kam: Encourages gradual reduction in consumption of salt, sugar and fat.
3. Food labelling: Supports consumers in making more informed dietary choices.
4. Food adulteration awareness: Promotes rapid testing and safer household food practices.
5. Together, these initiatives strengthen India’s broader nutrition, food-safety and consumer-protection framework.

FAQs

Q1. What has FSSAI proposed for infant foods?
It has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose in foods intended for infants up to six months.

Q2. Is the proposal already legally enforceable?
No. It is currently a draft amendment under consultation.

Q3. Which regulations are proposed to be amended?
The Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.

Q4. Under which law was FSSAI established?
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Q5. Which ministry administers FSSAI?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.