Mains issueGS-2Editorials22 October 2026

Regulating Added Sugars in Infant Foods: Public Health vs. Commercial Interests

Aspirants should be able to argue for a comprehensive, evidence-based regulatory approach to infant foods that prioritizes public health over commercial interests, aligning with global standards and addressing gaps in India's current framework.

Source: thehindu.comOriginal report

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Why now

The FSSAI's recent draft proposal to restrict added sugars in infant foods (0-6 months) has reignited debate on the adequacy of India's regulatory framework in protecting infant health against commercial practices, aligning with global recommendations and broader efforts against ultra-processed foods.

Core issue

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed to eliminate added sucrose and fructose in infant foods for 0-6 months, aligning with WHO recommendations. However, the article argues this draft is insufficient, as manufacturers use added sugar as a commercial strategy ('nutritional dumping') and early exposure negatively impacts dietary preferences. It calls for extending the restriction to all added sugars for children up to 24 months, as per ICMR-NIN guidelines, and implementing mandatory front-of-pack labelling to complete India's regulatory response to ultra-processed foods.

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