In a big step to protect the health of young children, the FSSAI has proposed a strict ban on added sugar in all infant formula and baby foods. This decision comes after growing concerns about high sugar content in popular baby food brands sold across India. Health experts have warned for a long time that feeding extra sugar to infants under two years old can lead to serious health problems like childhood obesity, early dental tooth decay, and a higher risk of diabetes later in life.
According to the new proposal, food manufacturers will no longer be allowed to mix refined sugar, sucrose, or artificial sweeteners into baby milk powder and cereal products. FSSAI officials stated that naturally occurring sugars in milk and grains are enough for a baby growth, and extra sweetness is completely unnecessary.
Parents and pediatricians across the country have welcomed this strong move by the food regulator. Health experts say that high sugar in infant food creates a bad habit of eating extra sweet items from a very young age, making it hard for kids to like healthy home cooked meals later. If this rule becomes law, all baby food companies in India will have to change their recipes immediately. FSSAI has asked the public and industry experts to give their feedback on this draft rule before it is fully enforced across the country.
