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 through a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
The proposed amendment aims to promote appropriate infant nutrition and ensure that food products designed for this age group meet their nutritional requirements without the unnecessary addition of these sugars.
Focus on Infant Nutrition and Healthy Development
The first six months of life are a crucial period for an infant’s growth and development. Appropriate nutrition during this stage plays an important role in supporting healthy development.
The proposed restriction is intended to address concerns associated with early exposure to added sugars and support broader public health efforts to reduce dietary risk factors linked to childhood obesity and related health challenges.
If finalised, the amendment would introduce a regulatory restriction on the addition of sucrose and fructose in foods covered by the relevant provisions for infants up to six months of age.
Draft Amendment Open for Public Consultation
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has published the draft notification for public consultation. Stakeholders have been invited to submit their objections and suggestions within 60 days of the notification’s publication.
FSSAI will consider the representations received within the prescribed period before finalising the proposed amendment.
As the proposal is currently at the draft stage, the restriction should not be treated as a final regulatory requirement until the amendment is formally notified.
What This Means for the Food Industry
The proposal could have implications for manufacturers of infant nutrition products, particularly in relation to product formulation, ingredient selection and regulatory compliance.
Food business operators manufacturing products for infants in this age group should monitor the consultation process and review the applicable regulatory requirements once the final amendment is notified.
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
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