- Proposed restriction: FSSAI wants to prohibit added sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months old.
- Public consultation: Stakeholders have a 60-day window to submit objections and suggestions, subject to the official notification date.
- Not yet law: The restriction remains a draft proposal and will take effect only after the necessary regulatory steps are completed.
New Delhi: India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose to food products intended for infants up to six months of age. The proposed change is part of a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has said the draft notification is open for public consultation, allowing stakeholders to submit objections and suggestions within 60 days of the prescribed notification date.
The proposed restriction is intended to improve nutritional standards for products designed for babies during their first six months of life.
What Does the FSSAI Proposal Say?
Under the draft amendment, manufacturers would be prohibited from adding sucrose and fructose to food products covered by the proposed restriction for infants aged six months or younger.
Sucrose is commonly known as table sugar, while fructose is a type of sugar naturally found in fruits and other foods. The proposal specifically concerns their addition to infant nutrition products.
The distinction is important because the proposed measure addresses added sugars rather than automatically prohibiting every product containing naturally occurring sugars.
The amendment has not yet been finalised. Its final wording and implementation requirements will depend on the regulatory process.
Why Is FSSAI Targeting Added Sugar in Infant Foods?
The first six months after birth are an important period for physical growth and development. Nutrition during this stage plays a significant role in supporting an infant’s health.
According to the stated objective of the proposal, restricting unnecessary added sugars would help ensure that infant nutrition products are designed around the nutritional requirements of this age group.
The measure also forms part of wider public health efforts to address concerns about early exposure to added sugars.
Excessive sugar consumption is a recognised dietary concern, particularly in relation to unhealthy eating patterns and obesity. However, the draft proposal should not be interpreted as evidence that every product containing sucrose or fructose causes childhood obesity.
Public Consultation Open for 60 Days
The Health Ministry has said that the draft amendment has been released for public consultation.
Stakeholders, including infant food manufacturers, health professionals, consumer organisations and other interested parties, may submit their objections and suggestions within the specified consultation period.
FSSAI will examine the representations received before deciding on the final amendment.
The consultation process allows interested parties to raise questions about the proposed restrictions, their practical implementation and any technical issues requiring clarification.
What Could the Rules Mean for Infant Food Manufacturers?
If the proposed amendment is finalised in its present form, manufacturers of products covered by the restriction would need to ensure that sucrose and fructose are not added to those products.
This could require manufacturers to review ingredient formulations and assess whether their products comply with the amended regulations.
However, the draft announcement does not establish an immediate ban on products currently available in the market.
Any compliance deadlines, transition arrangements or additional requirements would need to be confirmed from the final regulatory notification.
What Should Parents Know?
For parents and caregivers, the proposal highlights the importance of understanding the ingredients used in infant nutrition products.
The proposed regulation concerns food products intended for babies up to six months of age and should not be confused with rules covering foods for older children.
Parents should continue following appropriate infant-feeding guidance and seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals when choosing infant formula or other specialised nutrition products.
The proposal does not mean that parents should stop using medically necessary or professionally recommended infant nutrition products.
FSSAI’s final decision will determine how the proposed restriction is applied to products sold in India.
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