FSSAI Survey, Around 15% Protein Supplements Unsafe for Consumption

HEALTHCARE

According to a survey conducted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), nearly 15% of protein supplement samples tested for quality were unsafe for consumption.

FSSAI carried out the survey in 2021 and 2022 in an effort to stop the sale and distribution of low-quality dietary supplements, which have become increasingly popular with fitness enthusiasts.

Of the 144,345 samples tested during the review, 4,890 were viewed as risky, and 16,582 were viewed as inadequate, individuals said, referring to the study ‘s consequences. According to the people, defects in the labelling and packaging of another 11,482 samples were discovered.

Protein powder is typically consumed as a dietary supplement for muscle building, and its formulations typically contain numerous additives. In all, 28,906 additional civil cases have been initiated, and the food regulator has initiated criminal proceedings against at least 4,900 defaulters.

In addition to dietary supplements, the food regulator has collaborated with stakeholders to regulate ingredient mislabelling and put restrictions on the distribution of nutraceuticals, which are sold as alternatives to pharmaceuticals but have properties of both pharmaceutical and nutritional products.

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In 2016, the regulator began the process of restricting the sale of eight categories of foods by formulating rules that included detailed descriptions of their composition.

The categories that were involved were health supplements, nutraceuticals, foods intended for special dietary use, foods intended for special medical purposes, specialty foods containing plants or botanicals, foods with probiotics, foods with prebiotics, and novel foods.

These foods may contain approved colors and additives, as listed in Schedule VF of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations of 2011, in addition to natural, nature-identical, or synthetic flavors. These foods should not exceed the recommended daily allowance of nutrients, as agreed upon by the Indian Council of Medical Research and FSSAI.

In addition, FSSAI enlisted the assistance of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in order to establish a Resource Centre for Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals (ReCHaN) in collaboration with the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations. Additionally, the organization started a discussion with stakeholders regarding the acceptance of practices that are recognized worldwide.

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