FSSAI Plans Stricter Regulations For Protein Supplements Amid Health Concerns: Report

The rise in fitness consciousness has sparked a surge in the protein supplements market, with an increasing number of manufacturers capitalising on this trend

The government is reportedly preparing for a significant crackdown on the widespread sale of protein supplements, powders, and shakes that either lack authorised medical certifications or make misleading claims, according to a The Economic Times (ET) report citing sources.

Based on an extensive study revealing concerning trends, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is poised to implement stricter regulations on protein supplements. The study highlighted a proliferation of products flooding store shelves, gymnasiums, and e-commerce platforms, often with dubious health claims and inaccurate nutritional information.

The report further suggested that the upcoming enforcement measures may result in the prohibition of numerous products that do not comply with the revised guidelines.

"There are a lot of protein products in the market which are more harmful than beneficial. The idea is to have stringent norms so that there is no damage to public health," an FSSAI official told ET.

"Mislabelling of protein products is rampant and a matter of huge concern. Also, what constitutes such products? We don't know. "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," Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare, told ET.

In a cautionary tale shared on X on April 12, Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital, recounted a personal experience: "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 health condition reversed once I stopped. Please be very careful."

The rise in fitness consciousness has sparked a surge in the protein supplements market, with an increasing number of manufacturers capitalising on this trend. Major e-commerce platforms like Healthkart and Amazon prominently feature a variety of "high performance" protein powders, priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 6,800 for jars weighing 2-3 kg.