FSSAI has proposed a ban on added sugar in infant food for babies up to six months. Its draft amends the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020. The Gazette of India carried the draft on 16 October 2026. Under it, makers cannot add sucrose and fructose to products for infants up to six months of age. Moreover, stakeholders have 60 days to send objections and suggestions.
What the Draft Amendment Says
The draft inserts a new proviso into Regulation 3(6) of the 2020 rules. Currently, the rules name lactose and glucose polymers as the preferred carbohydrate sources. However, they also allow sucrose or fructose within set limits when required. So, the amendment would remove this option for the youngest infants.
Why FSSAI Wants the Change
FSSAI noted that “The first six months of life represent a critical period for healthy growth and development”. Therefore, it wants infant products to follow age-appropriate nutritional needs. Also, the move aims to cut early exposure to added sugars. In addition, it supports exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. Finally, the authority links early sugar exposure with risks such as childhood obesity.
Public Consultation and Next Steps
The 60-day window starts once copies of the Gazette notification reach the public. Stakeholders can write to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, at FDA Bhawan, New Delhi. After that, FSSAI will consider all comments before it finalises the amendment. Thus, the ban remains a proposal for now and does not yet apply.
About FSSAI
FSSAI is a statutory body under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Notably, it sets science-based standards for food and regulates manufacture, storage, sale and import. Its headquarters is in New Delhi. Also, the infant nutrition rules cover products for children from birth to 24 months.
Added Sugar in Infant Food: Key Facts for Revision
- Regulator: FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Draft: Amendment to the FSS (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020
- Gazette date: 16 October 2026
- Proposal: No added sucrose or fructose in products for infants up to six months
- Preferred carbohydrates: Lactose and glucose polymers
- Comment window: 60 days
Why Added Sugar in Infant Food Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, food regulation and child nutrition link GS-II with GS-III. So, remember the regulation’s name, the 60-day window and the six-month age limit. Also, link this step with India’s fight against childhood obesity and malnutrition. For official updates, also visit FSSAI. Next, for a related story, read about the biofortified purple potato Kufri Jamunia.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.