FSSAI ready to shake up protein powder space
protein supplements, powders and shakes without authorised medical certifications or with misleading labelling claims, said people with knowledge of the matter.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is set to release tighter regulations on protein supplements, after it conducted a study which revealed that dozens of protein powders and supplements were being sold at store shelves, gymnasiums and e-commerce platforms with false and misleading claims, said one of the persons.
«There are a lot of protein products in the market which are more harmful than beneficial,» said an FSSAI official, who did not wish to be identified. «The idea is to have stringent norms so that there is no damage to public health.» The crackdown could lead to a ban on sale of scores of such products which do not meet the new norms, according to people in the know.
«Mislabelling of protein products is rampant and a matter of huge concern,» said Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman, endocrinology and diabetes, Max Healthcare. «Also, what constitutes such products? We don't know.»
Red Flags
«If one's regular diet isn't sufficient for protein requirements, one can take protein supplements, but in limited quantities and under regulation and medical guidance,» he said.
Referring to protein supplements, Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital, said in a post on X on April 12, «I tried out a very well-known domestic brand, assuming it would be safe. Within 6-8 weeks it created serious health issues for me. Thankfully the
