Key Update

India is planning stricter nutrition and food safety standards for infant food by eliminating added sugar in products meant for babies aged 6–24 months. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is drafting a “zero added sugar” rule under its food safety regulations for infant nutrition. Under the proposed standard, baby foods such as infant cereals and milk formulas will only be allowed to contain naturally occurring lactose, while refined sugars such as sucrose and fructose will be prohibited. The move aims to ensure that infant foods meet stricter nutritional and safety standards.

Major Baby Food Brands May Need Reformulation

The proposed rule may affect products sold by companies including Nestlé, Abbott, Danone and Amul in India’s growing baby food market. Companies may need to reformulate products to remove added sugar if the rule comes into force. Officials say the proposal aims to address concerns such as childhood obesity, early sugar exposure and long-term metabolic health risks. Health experts believe that limiting sugar intake during infancy can help prevent unhealthy dietary habits later in life.

Consultations Underway Before Final Rule

FSSAI is currently consulting state regulators and scientific panels before finalising the regulation. Once implemented, the rule will apply to both domestically produced and imported infant food products, strengthening oversight of baby food safety and nutrition in India.

Source: Mint