India proposes removing added sugar from food for infants under six months

India’s food safety regulator, FSSAI, has published a draft amendment to infant nutrition rules. A government release on October 17 says it proposes barring added sucrose and fructose in products intended for babies up to six months old. Published in the official gazette on October 16, the draft is open for comments for 60 days.

What the proposal would change

Current rules allow these sugars under specified conditions and limits. The proposed amendment singles out the earliest six months and would remove that allowance for relevant products. It does not mean a new prohibition took effect on October 17, or that every product now on sale is unlawful.

The government links the measure to preventing risks from early exposure to added sugars and notes recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. Decisions about an individual baby’s feeding, particularly when formula is medically needed, should be made with a paediatrician rather than from a headline.

What happens next

FSSAI must consider responses before finalising the rule. Parents and manufacturers should distinguish the consultation draft, any final regulation and its eventual effective date.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2324637&lang=1&reg=3.