India Strengthens Infant Nutrition Standards, Bars Sweeteners in 0‑6 Month Products

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is set to reinforce its infant nutrition framework by banning the use of sucrose and fructose in food products intended for children up to six months old. The draft amendment, released under the Food Safety and Standards (Infant Food for Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, was officially published in the Gazette on 16 October 2026.

Under the current regime, lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred carbohydrate sources, with sucrose or fructose permissible only within defined limits. The new draft removes those allowances entirely for the 0‑6 month category, emphasizing the importance of a sugar‑free diet during the earliest stage of life.

Health officials view this step as a reinforcement of existing public‑health guidelines that champion exclusive breastfeeding and aim to reduce early exposure to added sugars, a known risk factor for childhood overweight and metabolic diseases. The regulation also encourages food producers to innovate with formulations that meet infants' specific nutrient requirements without relying on sweeteners.

The consultation notice invites stakeholders to submit their observations within a 60‑day window after the Gazette issue becomes publicly accessible. The FSSAI has pledged to consider all received inputs before finalising the amendment.