FDA for ban on sale of unlicensed body building supplements

MUMBAI: Food safety officers in all states and union territories have been asked to stop sale of unlicensed sale of creatine monohydrate — a popular supplement used by body builders. Though the protein supplement is not banned, associations representing body builders and doctors said that unlicensed brands could be selling spurious versions that could damage the kidneys and cause other complications.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India,in a letter issued on December 21, informed the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in the states that creatine monohydrate is being manufactured and sold throughout the country, without necessary FSSAI license.

The activities are deemed illegal under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Creatine Monohydrate is used to increase the strength and growth of muscle tissue. It’s known to rapidly produce energy, to support higher cellular function while training and competitions. The substance is not banned by majority of the body building or athletic organisations since it’s consumption is not considered doping.

“We got several complaints that the supplement is being sold both online and through Food Business Operators (FBOs) illegally, which increase the risk of duplicate or spurious product being passed on as well. We have served notices to several popular online shopping websites to remove supplements with this component,” said a top official from FSSAI.

Officials from FDA Maharashtra said that they will start the crackdown on FBOs soon to prevent illegal manufacturing and sale of the product. “We will go through the details and instructions of FSSAI and take necessary action immediately,” Pallavi Darade, FDA Commissioner said.

Body building associations and doctors, welcomed the move to restrict sales of creatine monohydrate, saying that the country needs a blanket ban on all the supplements, manufactured, sold or prescribed illegally to amateur or professional fitness enthusiasts

Body building associations said that it’s a positive move.

FILE PHOTO ▪ Spurious versions could damage kidneys.