The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed new restrictions on added sugars in food products intended for infants up to six months of age. The move aims to strengthen infant nutrition standards and ensure that products meet the nutritional needs of babies during their crucial early stages of growth and development.

The draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, was published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2026. It proposes to prohibit the addition of sucrose and fructose to products intended for infants up to six months old.

Under the existing Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, nutritional composition, quality and safety standards are prescribed for different categories of infant nutrition products intended for children from birth to 24 months of age. The current provisions identify lactose and glucose polymers as preferred carbohydrate sources, while allowing sucrose and/or fructose to be added when required as a carbohydrate source, subject to prescribed limits.

The proposed amendment seeks to introduce a specific restriction for products intended for younger infants. The draft provision states that "sucrose and fructose shall not be added in the products intended for infants up to the age of 6 months".

The proposal focuses on reducing unnecessary exposure to added sugars during early infancy, when proper nutrition plays an important role in brain development, immunity and physical growth. Early exposure to sweetened products may also influence taste preferences and eating habits as children grow.

The initiative aligns with wider public health efforts to encourage appropriate infant feeding practices and reduce dietary risk factors associated with childhood obesity and other health concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life where feasible and recommends that children under two years of age should not consume foods or drinks containing added sugars.

Unlike a labelling change that asks parents to identify and avoid certain ingredients, the proposed restriction would set a limit on what manufacturers can add to products intended for infants in this age group. It aims to provide a clearer regulatory framework for age-appropriate infant nutrition while supporting healthy growth and development.

The draft notification has been published for public consultation. FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 60 days from the date on which copies of the Official Gazette containing the notification are made available to the public. The representations received within the prescribed period will be considered by FSSAI before the amendment is finalised. Until then, the proposal remains a draft regulation.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with AR Infra Consultancy to develop Crowne Plaza Hyderabad Shamshabad Airport Road, marking the Crowne Plaza brand's debut in Hyderabad. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2031, the 250-key hotel will strengthen IHG's presence in the city while targeting demand from airport transit, corporate travel, meetings and events.

The upcoming property will be located adjacent to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and the 3.5 million sq. ft. World Trade Centre, positioning it within one of Hyderabad's emerging commercial and infrastructure corridors.

Shamshabad is witnessing development across commercial, industrial and logistics sectors, with aerospace facilities and mixed-use projects expected to support further business activity. The airport handled approximately 31 million passengers in 2025, while the development of the World Trade Centre and the expanding Aeronautical Park could add to the area's corporate travel potential.

For IHG, the signing reflects an opportunity to establish its premium Crowne Plaza brand in a location that combines airport connectivity with access to emerging business infrastructure. The hotel is expected to serve corporate travellers, event organisers, long-stay guests and professionals associated with industrial and infrastructure projects.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said Shamshabad presents a compelling growth opportunity given its proximity to the airport and the development of commercial infrastructure. He added that the property could address growing corporate, meetings and airport-related demand while strengthening IHG's premium portfolio in India.

P. Revanth Reddy of AR Infra Consultancy described the project as the company's first venture into the hospitality sector, building on its experience in real estate and infrastructure across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He said the partnership with IHG would support the development of a landmark hospitality destination and establish a foundation for the company's long-term presence in the sector.

Hotel Facilities and Key Features

Once operational, Crowne Plaza Hyderabad Shamshabad Airport Road will feature 250 keys, including 37 suites, alongside a range of dining, business and leisure facilities.

The planned food and beverage offering includes five outlets:

• All-day dining restaurant: 187 seats

• Bar: 65 seats

• Specialty restaurant: 65 seats

• Pool bar: 65 seats

• Lobby lounge: 55 seats

The hotel will also feature 1,170 sq. m. of meeting and event space across five venues, including an 800 sq. m. ballroom. Additional facilities will include a club lounge, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and parking spaces.

The combination of meeting facilities, multiple dining venues and leisure amenities is intended to position the property for corporate gatherings, conferences, social events and airport-linked stays.

IHG Expands Its Hyderabad and India Portfolio

The signing further expands IHG's presence in Hyderabad, where its existing portfolio includes two operational Holiday Inn Express hotels and an InterContinental hotel under development. The new Crowne Plaza will add a premium offering focused on business travel and MICE demand.

Across India, IHG currently operates 53 hotels across seven brands and has a pipeline of 110 hotels expected to open over the next three to five years. Its portfolio includes Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express.

The planned Crowne Plaza Hyderabad Shamshabad Airport Road adds to this expansion strategy, with the location offering access to airport traffic and the commercial developments expected to shape the region's growth over the coming years.

Sayaji Raipur is bringing the festive season to the table with two special dining experiences this October, combining a Dussehra celebration at Cravings with a themed Halloween evening at its rooftop destination, Horizon.

Designed around food, festivities and social gatherings, the hotel's October calendar offers guests opportunities to celebrate traditional occasions and enjoy a contemporary seasonal experience with family and friends.

Dussehra Celebration at Cravings

On October 20, 2026, Cravings at Sayaji Raipur will mark Dussehra with a special festive dining experience featuring traditional flavours and a celebratory atmosphere.

Guests can avail themselves of a 2+1 offer during lunch, providing an opportunity for families and groups to gather over a festive meal.

Halloween Night at Horizon

The celebrations will continue on October 31, 2026, with a themed Halloween Night at Horizon, Sayaji Raipur's rooftop destination.

The evening will feature Halloween-inspired food and drinks, themed décor and an entertaining ambience, bringing a seasonal twist to the rooftop dining experience.

Guests can also enjoy 15% off the à la carte menu, while drinks will be available at MRP.

Together, the two events reflect Sayaji Raipur's approach to seasonal dining, bringing traditional festivities and contemporary themed celebrations into its October programme.

Event Details

Dussehra at Cravings

• Date: October 20, 2026

• Offer: 2+1 during lunch

Halloween Night at Horizon

• Date: October 31, 2026

• Offer: 15% off the à la carte menu

• Drinks: Available at MRP