The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is poised to implement stricter regulations on protein supplements following a recent study that uncovered widespread false and misleading claims among products sold in stores, gyms, and online platforms. The crackdown is expected to target protein powders, shakes, and other supplements that lack proper medical certification or are inaccurately labelled.
The FSSAI’s study revealed that many protein supplements on the market could potentially harm consumers rather than provide the advertised benefits. An anonymous official from FSSAI noted, “Our goal is to enforce stringent norms to protect public health. Many products currently available are more harmful than beneficial.” The new regulations could result in the removal of numerous products that do not comply with the updated standards.
This move comes amid growing concerns over the mislabeling of protein products, which has become a significant issue. Dr. Ambrish Mithal, chairman of endocrinology and diabetes at Max Healthcare, emphasized, “Misleading claims on protein products are rampant and pose a major concern. The composition of these products is often unknown.” Dr. Mithal added that while protein supplements can be beneficial in limited quantities for those with insufficient dietary protein, they should be consumed under proper medical guidance and regulation.
The increasing awareness of fitness and nutrition has led to a surge in the availability of high-priced protein supplements, with many manufacturers seeking to capitalize on this trend. On e-commerce platforms like Healthkart and Amazon, “high-performance” protein powders are being sold for prices ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹6,800 for 2-3 kg containers.
The impending FSSAI regulations follow warnings from various health experts and industry leaders. Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital, shared his personal experience on social media, stating, “I tried a well-known domestic brand, assuming it was safe. Within 6–8 weeks, it caused serious health issues for me. Thankfully, my health recovered after I stopped using it. Please be cautious.”
The new measures by FSSAI aim to ensure that consumers are not misled by false claims and that only safe and effective protein supplements are available on the market. As the government prepares to tighten these regulations, the protein supplement industry is likely to undergo significant changes, potentially affecting many products currently on the shelves.