In a significant regulatory step toward strengthening nutritional safeguards for infants, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020. Published in the Gazette of India on October 16, 2026, the draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026 proposes a complete prohibition on the addition of sucrose and fructose in food formulations intended for infants up to six months of age. Under existing provisions, lactose and glucose polymers serve as the primary carbohydrate sources, with sucrose or fructose allowed only under restricted conditions. The new draft eliminates this exception for early infancy to prevent unnecessary sugar exposure during a critical developmental window.
The proposed restriction reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to preventive healthcare, early child nutrition, and long-term public health. The first six months of life are crucial for establishing healthy growth patterns, and early intake of added sugars poses dietary risk factors linked to childhood obesity and related health challenges.
Furthermore, this initiative complements national and international public health guidelines advocating exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, while urging food manufacturers to adhere strictly to science-based, age-appropriate formulations.
The draft notification is open for public consultation, inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders, industry representatives, and the public within 60 days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. All submissions received within the stipulated timeline will be reviewed by the FSSAI prior to finalization of the regulation.
Written by: Pragna Biswas
Graphics by: Pramit Hazra
