A survey conducted by India’s food regulator in 2021 and 2022 says nearly 15% of food samples collected, including protein powders and dietary supplements, were unsafe for consumption or substandard.
The Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) collected 144,345 samples in 2021-2022 of which 4,890 were unsafe for consumption and 16,582 were substandard. More than 11,482 samples had labeling defects and misleading information, media reports quoting FSSAI sources said.
The regulator filed 4,946 criminal and 28,906 civil cases against errant operators, imposing a fine of ₹53.39 crore.
Consumption of unsafe protein powders to build muscle mass can harm the organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.
FSSAI has specified rules to regulate the production and sale of dietary supplements. According to the Food Safety Standards and Regulations, 2016, these items could not contain any hormones, steroids, or psychotropic chemicals.
