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FSSAI Aims to Cut Baby Sugar Exposure
17 Oct
Summary
- FSSAI proposes banning fructose and sucrose in infant food.
- Goal is to strengthen nutritional safeguards for young infants.
- Consultation period for draft amendment ends in 60 days.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put forth a proposal to ban the addition of fructose and sucrose in food products designated for infants up to six months of age. This regulatory update aims to bolster the nutritional protection offered to infants and minimize their early exposure to added sugars.
Published for public consultation, the draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, invites objections and suggestions from stakeholders within a 60-day period. The proposed regulations seek to ensure that infant nutrition products align with age-specific nutritional needs.
Currently, regulations permit the addition of sucrose and/or fructose as carbohydrate sources within prescribed limits. However, the new proposal specifically prohibits their addition in products intended for infants under six months, emphasizing the importance of appropriate nutrition during this crucial developmental stage.
This initiative by FSSAI supports broader public health goals, including addressing concerns linked to childhood obesity and promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. The measure encourages manufacturers to prioritize formulations that meet the unique nutritional requirements of young infants.
