PIB digest for Saturday, 17 October

FSSAI Proposes Restricting Added Sugars in Infant Food

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · Health · Posted 17 OCT 2026 1:59PM

What happened

The FSSAI published a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, proposing to prohibit the addition of sucrose and fructose in products intended for infants up to six months of age. The initiative aims to minimise early exposure to added sugars and address childhood obesity.

Why it matters for UPSC

This regulatory measure is vital for UPSC aspirants studying public health policies, child nutrition, and food safety standards governed by bodies like the FSSAI in India.

Key objectives

  1. Proposes a prohibition on adding sucrose and fructose to food products intended for infants up to six months of age.
  2. Publishes a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
  3. Invites stakeholder objections and suggestions within 60 days of the notification date.