The Food Safety and Standards in India (FSSAI) is considering new rules to reduce sugar added to the food for toddlers and children aged 6 to 24 months, people who know it. This step, which could affect popular products, such as infant cereals and milk formulas, is part of an effort to combat the growing degree of obesity and diabetes in the ground.
Indian child nutrition regulations in India promote the use of lactose and glucose polymers as the main carbohydrates. The rules are strictly limited by added sugars such as sucrose and fructose. They cannot account for more than 20% of the total carbohydrates in the product.
Some of the prominent baby food brands in India are Cerelac Z Nestle, Amulspray of Amul, Similac from Abbott and Slurrp Farm. These products keep sugar in the allowed limits, but the food regulator believes it is time to go further.
“The matters of sugar reduction in baby food for 6 to 24 months were discussed last week with experts from FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Indian Council for Medical Research. Even the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition Dietetary CuGRED for children for up to two years.
The proposal would be built on current standards that prohibit sugar added to food for the youngest children – from birth to 6 months. If approved, the new rules would mean a significant step to ensure healthier food options for the youngest India.
Indian children accumulate on pounds, shows survey data. The share of overweight children increased to 3.4% of 2.1% only five years ago, which appeared the latest survey of national family health in FY21. Along with long quarters of both women (24%) and men (23%) is overweight or obese.
It is assumed that the market for baby food in India worth $ 1.16 billion in 2024 by 2020 by 2030 to 2030 to $ 1.98 billion, according to Martnev counselors driven by growing urbanization, more working mothers and increased parental awareness of nutrition.
Last year, the reports claimed that Nestle products in South Asia (including India), Africa and Latin America had significantly higher sugar levels than in Europe.
“We adhere to all existing regulations and ensure that none of our infant nutrition and dairy products for infants and young children contain added refined sugar. Over the past five years, we have reduced the added sugar in Cerelak by up to 30% and recently introduced a new Cerelac series with” without refined sugar “.
Questions sent to the Ministry of Health Union, FSSAI and Slurrp Farm, Amul and Abbott remained unanswered.
Push on healthier habits
The initiative of the regulator to reduce sugar in baby food is part of a larger campaign in the field of public health. A recent Lancet study assumed that India could have the second highest obesity load in the world with 449 million people with overweight and obese people by 2035.
FSSSAI also considered a report from the Swiss non -profit organization that found added sugar in the popular children’s product, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations.
“The regulator takes its role seriously by examining components in baby food and promoting even better standards. The decision on new rules is soon expected,” said the second person who realized the matter.
FSSAI regularly tests and samples infant food products. During the enforcement procedure in 2024, five out of 99 samples were considered dangerous.
Doctors weigh
The proposal is supported by medical experts. Dr. Nishant Wadhwa, head of pediatrician in Sir Ganga RAM in Nový Delhi, explained that children and toddlers are not equipped to handle large amounts of sugar.
“The body is not naturally inclined or trained to master the increase in sugar even for adults,” he said. “When children consume too much sugar, their bodies cannot process it and excess is stored as fat. This can lead to serious health problems such as liver disease with early onset.”
Dr. Wadhwa stressed that children need no other sugar.
“The sugar that the baby actually takes in breast milk is lactose,” he explained, adding that added sugars like sucrose and fructose should be completely avoided. He advised his parents to provide homemade food rather than wrapped pre -supplied cereal products.
Industry and professional support
The International Children’s Association (IPA) considered the FSSAI initiative a positive step.
Dr. Naveen Thacker, Executive Director of IPA, said, “It’s a welcome step FSSAI to reduce the sugar limit of food for infants aged 6 to 24 months.”
He encouraged breastfeeding for children and toddlers for up to two years old and stressed that IPA does not support milk or packed food based on cereal or preference, unless necessary.
ICMR experts emphasized that lowering baby food is essential because children and toddlers do not need sugar.
“Emphasis is placed on limiting extra sweets, not natural sugars, such as lactose. The taste of sugar will soon learn in life. 2,000 calories,” said ICMR scientist.
(Tagstotranslate) baby nutrition
