Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

FSSAI Proposes No Added Sucrose Or Fructose In Foods For Babies Up To Six Months: How Can It Affect Infant Health

FSSAI Proposes No Added Sucrose Or Fructose In Foods For Babies Up To Six Months: How Can It Affect Infant Health?

India's food safety regulator has proposed implementing a restriction on adding <span>sucrose</span> and <span>fructose</span> to foods for babies up to six months old. The move aims to reduce consumption of added sugars during early infancy, which is considered to be a crucial period for growth and development.

The <span>Food Safety and Standards Authority of India</span> (<span>FSSAI</span>) has published a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020. The proposal was published in the Gazette of India on October 16, 2026, and announced by the <span>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare</span> on October 17.

Under the proposed amendment, “sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months”. The FSSAI has kept the proposal open, inviting objections and suggestions within 60 days of the Gazette copies being made available. 

<h2>FSSAI's Proposal For Baby Foods </h2>

Sucrose is the most common sugar found in many <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/add-these-12-superfoods-to-your-babys-diet-for-growth-and-optimum-nutrition-article-151001252" data-type="tilCustomLink">baby foods</a>, while fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits and some other foods. Both can also be used as ingredients in certain manufactured foods products.

Under the existing infant nutrition regulations, lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred carbohydrate sources. Sucrose and fructose can be added when carbohydrate sources need to be added, subject to prescribed limits.

The proposed amendment would restrict that allowance for baby foods for infants up to six months. The proposal concerns the addition of these sugars to regulated infant nutrition products.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/the-silent-struggle-of-raising-a-child-with-mental-health-challenges-how-parents-can-cope-with-stigma-article-156348126" data-type="tilCustomLink">The Silent Struggle Of Raising A Child With Mental Health Challenges: How Parents Can Cope With Stigma</a>

<h2>Is Added Sugar A Concern In Early Infancy?</h2>

The first six months of life are important for an infant's physical growth and development. During this period, babies need nutrition that meets the requirements needed for growth, rather than ingredients added simply to increase sweetness.

FSSAI says the proposed restriction aims to ensure that infant nutrition products meet these needs without unnecessary additions of sucrose and fructose. The move is also part of a measure towards wider public health efforts to curb dietary risk factors like <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/is-ozempic-the-answer-to-childhood-obesity-article-151523905" data-type="tilCustomLink">childhood obesity</a> and other metabolic health problems.

The proposal, therefore, focuses on reducing unnecessary added sugars and strengthening nutritional standards for this age group.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/childhood-fitness-linked-to-lower-risk-of-depression-in-adulthood-30-year-study-article-156291545" data-type="tilCustomLink">Childhood Fitness Linked To Lower Risk Of Depression In Adulthood: 30-Year Study</a>

<h2>Could This Improve Infant Health?</h2>

Breast Cancer Symptoms, Screening & Treatment | Breast Cancer Awareness Month

If the amendment is finalised, manufacturers will need to formulate baby food products for babies up to six months in accordance with the new restriction. The benefits of this move include:

<ul><li><strong>Reducing unnecessary added sugars:</strong> Infant nutrition products would no longer be permitted to contain added sucrose or fructose for this age group under the proposed rule.</li><li><strong>Supporting age-appropriate nutrition:</strong> Manufacturers would need to ensure their formulations meet infants' nutritional requirements without relying on these sugars.</li><li><strong>Strengthening preventive nutrition:</strong> The proposal forms part of wider efforts to promote healthier feeding practices from the earliest stages of life.</li></ul>

The actual health impact will depend on how the rules are implemented and the nutritional composition of the products affected. 

The proposed restriction also supports established public health recommendations that promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.

For parents who cannot <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/breastfeeding-may-help-lower-blood-pressure-in-children-study-finds-article-151243529" data-type="tilCustomLink">breastfeed</a> or need an alternative for medical or other reasons, an appropriate infant formula can help meet a baby's nutritional needs. Parents should consult a qualified healthcare professional about feeding choices rather than preparing homemade substitutes.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

fssai-proposes-no-added-sucrose-or-fructose-in-foods-for-babies-up-to-six-months-how-can-it-affect-infant-health

fssai

added sugar in baby foods

Sucrose

Fructose

ministry of health and family welfare

food safety and standards authority of india

world-menopause-day-perimenopause-can-begin-in-your-late-30s-what-changes-should-you-watch-for

World Menopause Day 2026: Perimenopause Can Begin In Your Late 30s. What Changes Should You Watch For?

heart-transplant-in-india-why-thousands-of-patients-may-never-reach-the-waiting-list

Heart Transplant In India: Why Thousands Of Patients May Never Reach The Waiting List

Parenting

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

India's food safety regulator has proposed implementing a restriction on adding sucrose and fructose to foods for babies up to six months old. The move aims to reduce consumption of added sugars during early infancy, which is considered to be a crucial period for growth and development.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020. The proposal was published in the Gazette of India on October 16, 2026, and announced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 17. Under the proposed amendment, “sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months”. The FSSAI has kept the proposal open, inviting objections and suggestions within 60 days of the Gazette copies being made available.  FSSAI's Proposal For Baby Foods Sucrose is the most common sugar found in many baby foods, while fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits and some other foods. Both can also be used as ingredients in certain manufactured foods products.Under the existing infant nutrition regulations, lactose and glucose polymers are the preferred carbohydrate sources. Sucrose and fructose can be added when carbohydrate sources need to be added, subject to prescribed limits.The proposed amendment would restrict that allowance for baby foods for infants up to six months. The proposal concerns the addition of these sugars to regulated infant nutrition products.Also read: The Silent Struggle Of Raising A Child With Mental Health Challenges: How Parents Can Cope With StigmaIs Added Sugar A Concern In Early Infancy?The first six months of life are important for an infant's physical growth and development. During this period, babies need nutrition that meets the requirements needed for growth, rather than ingredients added simply to increase sweetness.FSSAI says the proposed restriction aims to ensure that infant nutrition products meet these needs without unnecessary additions of sucrose and fructose. The move is also part of a measure towards wider public health efforts to curb dietary risk factors like childhood obesity and other metabolic health problems. The proposal, therefore, focuses on reducing unnecessary added sugars and strengthening nutritional standards for this age group.Also read: Childhood Fitness Linked To Lower Risk Of Depression In Adulthood: 30-Year StudyCould This Improve Infant Health?If the amendment is finalised, manufacturers will need to formulate baby food products for babies up to six months in accordance with the new restriction. The benefits of this move include:Reducing unnecessary added sugars: Infant nutrition products would no longer be permitted to contain added sucrose or fructose for this age group under the proposed rule.Supporting age-appropriate nutrition: Manufacturers would need to ensure their formulations meet infants' nutritional requirements without relying on these sugars.Strengthening preventive nutrition: The proposal forms part of wider efforts to promote healthier feeding practices from the earliest stages of life.The actual health impact will depend on how the rules are implemented and the nutritional composition of the products affected. The proposed restriction also supports established public health recommendations that promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. For parents who cannot breastfeed or need an alternative for medical or other reasons, an appropriate infant formula can help meet a baby's nutritional needs. Parents should consult a qualified healthcare professional about feeding choices rather than preparing homemade substitutes.

fssai proposes no added sucrose or fructose in foods for babies up to six months: how can it affect infant health?

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

FSSAI Proposes No Added Sucrose Or Fructose In Foods For Babies Up To Six Months: How Can It Affect Infant Health

The Silent Struggle Of Raising A Child With Mental Health Challenges: How Parents Can Cope With Stigma

Hilary Swank Pregnant At 52: What Are Risks Of Late Motherhood

RSV Warning: Welsh Mum Urges Pregnant Women To Get Vaccine After Baby Nearly Dies

Health Conditions A-Z

FSSAI Proposes No Added Sucrose Or Fructose In Foods For Babies Up To Six Months: How Can It Affect Infant Health

World Menopause Day 2026: Perimenopause Can Begin In Your Late 30s. What Changes Should You Watch For?

Heart Transplant In India: Why Thousands Of Patients May Never Reach The Waiting List