The survey was conducted between 2021 and 2022 by FSSAI, the nation’s top food regulator, to stop the sale and distribution of inferior dietary supplements, which have grown in popularity among fitness enthusiasts.
Nearly 15% of all food samples, including protein supplements tested for quality, were found to be unsafe for consumption in a survey conducted by the food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI), people familiar with the matter stated on Monday.
The survey was conducted between 2021 and 2022 by FSSAI, the nation’s top food regulator, to stop the sale and distribution of inferior dietary supplements, which have grown in popularity among fitness enthusiasts.
4,890 of the 144,345 samples tested during the survey were determined to be unsafe, and 16,582 were determined to be substandard, according to the people, who cited the survey’s findings.
The people claimed that additional 11,482 samples were found to have packaging errors and labelling flaws.
As a dietary supplement for muscle growth, protein powder is typically consumed, and formulations frequently include a variety of additives.
According to the people, the food regulator has started criminal proceedings against at least 4,900 defaulters and civil cases have been started in 28,906 other cases.
In addition to dietary supplements, the food regulator has been collaborating with stakeholders to implement restrictions on the distribution of nutraceuticals, which are marketed as non-prescription drugs but have the qualities of both prescription drugs and nutritional products, as well as to control ingredient mislabeling.
The regulator started limiting the sale of these products in 2016 by establishing regulations for eight categories of foods, which included containing detailed descriptions of their make-up.
Foods for special dietary use, foods for special medical purposes, speciality foods containing plants or botanicals, foods containing probiotics, foods containing prebiotics, and novel foods were among the categories involved.
Ritika Sammadar, Regional Head of dietetics at Max Healthcare, quoted, “Consumption of health supplements and micronutrients without medical supervision anyway can lead to health consequences, and if the quality of the product is substandard then it can further increase the harmful effects to your kidneys and other vital organs. FSSAI has become strict with regulatory compliance.”
Food Safety Standards and Regulations, 2016, stated that these foods could not contain hormones, steroids, or psychoactive substances.