See Full Document Text
GOVERNMENT OFINDIA
MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 417*
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20THMARCH, 2026
USE OFMALTODEXTRIN IN FOOD PRODUCTS
*417. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN:
Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be
pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of reports indicating excessive use of
Maltodextrin in processed and packaged food products such as health drinks,
infant foods, snacks, bakery items and dietary supplements in the country, if so,
the details thereof;
(b) whether studies have indicated any potential health concerns arising from
the high consumption of Maltodextrin, particularly among children, diabetic
patients and persons suffering from lifestyle related diseases, if so, the details
thereof;
(c) whether the Government has conducted or proposes to conduct any scientific
assessment regarding the extent of the use of Maltodextrin in processed food
products available in the domestic markets, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government proposes to review or reduce the permitted levels
of the use of Maltodextrin in food products in line with regulations adopted by
other countries to promote healthier food formulations, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a) to (d) AStatement is laid on the Table of the House.STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 417* FOR 20TH MARCH, 2026
(a) to (d): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is mandated
to lay down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their
manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe
and wholesome food for human consumption and FSSAI standards are
uniformly applicable across the country.
The food safety standards are made based on the scientific opinion
provided by independent risk assessment bodies i.e. Scientific Panels and
Scientific Committee and are harmonized with internationally accepted Codex
standards.
Maltodextrin is a permitted ingredient as per Food Safety and Standards
Regulations, used in several food categories such as bakery products,
supplements for children, infant milk products, etc. Maltodextrin is allowed to
be used under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and is globally recognized
as safe.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), under the Department of
Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is apex body in India
for formulation, coordination promotion of biomedical research and to conduct,
coordinate and implement medical research for the benefit of the Society. As per
ICMR, frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to insulin
resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome and may even alter gut microbiota.
ICMR has not carried out any study on potential health concerns arising from
the high consumption of Maltodextrin.
*****