Lok Sabha Question No. 2604 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Sugar Content in Baby Food Products
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

## Government of India

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

## Department of Consumer Affairs

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2604 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## SUGAR CONTENT IN BABY FOOD PRODUCTS

2604.  SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be  pleased  to state

- (a) whether the Government has assessed the health risks of high sugar content in baby food products and if so, the findings thereof;
- (b) whether existing regulations on sugar content in baby products meet global standards and if so, the reasons for lack of strict enforcement;
- (c) whether steps are being taken to ensure clear labelling of sugar and other harmful additives in baby food; and
- (d) whether  penalties  or  corrective  measures  have  been  introduced  for  manufacturers  violating  sugar content norms and if not, the reasons for the delay?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h (श्री बी.एल. वर्मा )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI B.L. VERMA)

(a) to (d) : FSSAI  has  notified  the  Food  Safety  and  Standards  (Foods  for  Infant  Nutrition) Regulations, 2020 which prescribes the standards for different categories of Infant food and formulae. The General requirements chapter - I 3(6) of the said regulation clearly specifies the preferred source of carbohydrates  in  food  for  Infant  Nutrition.  This  provision  is  at  par  with  Codex  standards  and  other recognized global regulatory standards.

The  sub-regulation  4  of  the  Food  Safety  and  Standards  (Foods  for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020 prescribes that the labelling of the food for infant nutrition shall be in accordance with the  Food  Safety  and  Standards  (Labelling  and  Display)  Regulations,  2020  and  the  specific  labelling requirements  provided under these regulations wherein the sub-regulation 5(3)(b) of Food Safety  and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 prescribes the format for Nutritional Information shall be given on the label.

FSSAI has approved  a  proposal  on  19.06.2024  to  display  nutritional  information  regarding Added  Sugar,  Salt  and  Saturated  Fat  in  bold  letters  and  relatively  increased  font  size  on  labels  of packaged food items. The amendment aims to empower consumers to better understand the nutritional value of the product they are consuming and make healthier decisions.

FSSAI  (through  its  regional  offices)  &  State/UT  Food  Safety  Authorities  conduct  regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and sampling of food products including infant food products.

Food Business Operators (FBOs) have to comply with labelling requirements mandated under these regulations including limit of sugar content and specified food additives.

In cases, where non-compliance is detected, stringent action is initiated against the erring Food Business Operator (FBO) through penalties, imprisonment and product recall etc. as per provisions of FSS Act, Rules & Regulations.

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