Srinagar, Oct 22: Added sugars are creating a health crisis for a generation, and the feeding rocess starts in infancy for those on formula milk.
Now the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose to food products meant for infants up to six months of age.
This is aimed at limiting babies’ exposure to added sugars.
The proposal is part of the draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026.
It was published in the Gazette of India on October 16.
The official statement that followed said the amendment would add a provision that would explicitly state that sucrose and fructose “shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months.”
Doctors in Kashmir have long stressed that breastfeeding remains the best source of nutrition for infants during the first six months of life.
Breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that support growth and immunity.
“Infant formula, when required, should be designed to meet babies’ nutritional needs as closely as possible to breast milk,” said Prof Muzaffar Jan, former Head of Pediatrics GMC Srinagar.
He said unnecessary additions such as sugars may encourage a preference for sweet tastes early in life.
He also emphasised that formula feeding may be necessary in certain circumstances, but it should be undertaken on medical advice.
“Mothers must be supported in whatever ways possible, rather than discouraged from breastfeeding,” he said.
According to UNICEF, roughly 41 million children in India are affected by obesity. Behind the crisis is the rapid spread of ultra-processed foods, high screen time, and reduced physical activity.
It is a growing concern for long-term risks for diabetes and heart disease.
The existing 2020 regulations set nutritional composition, quality and safety standards for infant nutrition products.
These are products that are meant for use in children from birth to 24 months.
Under these regulations, lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred sources of carbohydrates.
Sucrose or fructose “may be added” only when required as a carbohydrate source. Limits had been set for the amount of added sugars.
The proposed draft would remove that allowance, and restrict any use of sugar in products meant for infants up to six months age.
The statement described the first six months of life as a critical period for healthy growth and development.
This is the phase when appropriate nutrition is particularly important, and has lifelong impact.
The restriction seeks to ensure that infant products meet the nutritional needs of this age group, and do not unnecessarily add sucrose and fructose.
The measure is also meant to support wider public health efforts to address early exposure to added sugars.
Added sugars pose dietary risk factors linked to childhood obesity and related health problems.
The proposed changes complement the established public health recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.
The amendment seeks to support appropriate infant feeding practices and encourage manufacturers by tightening standards for infant nutrition products.
It will mandate adoption of formulations that prioritise the specific needs of young infants. The statement issued by Health and Family Welfare of Government said the proposal reflects FSSAI’s continued focus on science-based food standards.
It is also in the direction of responsible product formulation and preventive nutrition.
The draft notification has been published for public consultation on October 17. Stakeholders have been urged to submit objections and suggestions within 60 days of gazette notification.
The Health Ministry has said that all representations received within that period before finalising the amendment will be considered.
