The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is intensifying its crackdown on protein supplement powders and shakes that lack medical certification or feature misleading claims, according to the Economic Times.
This initiative follows an FSSAI study revealing widespread false and deceptive claims associated with protein powders and supplements available across retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and gymnasiums. The report suggests that many of these products could face bans for failing to meet regulatory standards.
Current state of protein powders
In response to the rising popularity of fitness, protein supplements, often priced between ₹2,000 and ₹6,800 for 2-3 kg jars on platforms like Healthkart and Amazon, have become prevalent, as reported by the Economic Times.
The severity of the situation with protein powders
According to a study published in the journal Medicine, which analyzed 36 popular protein supplements in India, nearly 70% of them provided inaccurate protein content information. Some brands were found to offer only half of the claimed protein content. Moreover, approximately 14% of the supplements contained harmful fungal aflatoxins, and 8% showed traces of pesticide residue, The Print reported, citing the study.
The authors of the study, clinical researchers at Rajagiri Hospital in Kerala and a US-based technology entrepreneur, highlighted concerns about the poor quality of many Indian-made herbal protein-based supplements, noting their potential inclusion of liver-toxic botanicals. They emphasized the need for stricter scrutiny, regulation, and basic safety studies before these products are marketed.