Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a new system to classify foods as high in added fat, added sugar and salt, intending to strengthen food standards for schoolchildren.

FSSAI issued the proposal through a draft notification dated August 10, 2026, seeking to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020. The proposed thresholds draw on the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024.

How Will FSSAI Classify Foods as ‘High’?

FSSAI has proposed a threshold-based system. A food would qualify as ‘high’ in a particular nutrient if it exceeds the specified limit per 100 grams for solid foods or 100 millilitres for liquid foods.

For Solid Foods — Per 100 Grams

• Added fat: More than 4.2 grams
• Added sugar: More than 3 grams
• Salt: More than 0.625 grams

For Liquid Foods — Per 100 Millilitres

• Added fat: More than 1.5 grams
• Added sugar: More than 2 grams
• Salt: More than 0.175 grams

These figures are classification thresholds, not recommended daily intake limits. They determine whether a food is high in a particular nutrient and do not indicate how much fat, sugar or salt a child should consume each day.

Why Is FSSAI Proposing These Thresholds?

The proposed changes seek to strengthen standards for food sold or served to children in and around schools and encourage healthier food choices. The move also comes amid growing concerns about unhealthy diets and childhood obesity, increasing the focus on the nutritional quality of foods available to children. By establishing measurable thresholds, FSSAI aims to give schools and food businesses clearer benchmarks to identify foods that contain high levels of added fat, sugar or salt.

Are the Proposed Limits Final?

No. The proposed thresholds are part of a draft amendment and have not yet become final regulations. FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public, which must be submitted within 60 days of the Gazette notification. The authority will consider the feedback received during the consultation period before finalising the regulations.

Source: Business Standard