India's FSSAI recategorises dietary supplements for sports use as Foods for Special Dietary Uses

By Tingmin Koe

- Last updated on GMT

India's FSSAI has recategorised dietary supplements for sports use as Foods for Special Dietary Uses. ©Getty Images
India's FSSAI has recategorised dietary supplements for sports use as Foods for Special Dietary Uses. ©Getty Images

Related tags India Sports nutrition Fssai

Indian regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) has announced that all dietary supplements for sports use will be categorised as Foods for Special Dietary Uses (FSDU), which means that manufacturers will need to operate according to FSDU rules.

With the new categorisation, dietary supplements for sportsperson will now need to adhere to the Food, Safety, and Standards Regulations implemented in 2016.

This includes regulations pertaining to the essential composition, claims, labelling, permitted use of additives, and the permissible limits of contaminants, toxins and residues in the product.

Coming under FSDU also means that no hormones, steroids, or psychotropic ingredients can be added into supplements for sports use.

In addition, these products will be regulated based on the composition of vitamins and minerals, amino acids, ingredients of plants or botanical origin, nutraceuticals, probiotics, and prebiotics.

Do the following

Supplement manufacturers will now need to adopt five steps when manufacturing sports supplements.   

First, it is mandatory to register and obtain a license from the FSSAI. All local and overseas manufacturers will also need to have an Indian-registered office with local contact details to address consumer grievances, and manufacturing plants will be periodically audited.

Second, correct labelling and claims on the product must be monitored and ensure by the firms, including terms such as “For sportspersons only”, “Recommended to be used under medical advice or dietetic supervision only”, ​and “The food should be used in conjunction with an appropriate physical training or exercise regime”.

Third, firms must ensure product authenticity by making sure that the packing is tamper-proof, authenticating the sellers or distributors and publishing details of authorised sellers through websites or advertisements.

In addition, each individual product package should have an independent marking for end-users to validate the product’s authenticity.

Fourth, complete visibility of the entire supply chain needs to be provided and lastly, the expiry or best-before-dates must be visible when selling the products online.

Firms also need to conduct periodical tests using FSSAI approved labs, at best bi-annually, before they can claim their products to be free from prohibited substances.

Business owners should also maintain a repository of Certificate of Analysis (COAs) of the completed tests for ready reference, and keep control samples properly preserved and stored as per Food Safety and Standards.

Importers will need to ensure that they import only products which comply with FSSAI-specified standards and regulations.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Whitepaper: Discover a new era in postbiotics

Whitepaper: Discover a new era in postbiotics

Content provided by DSM Nutritional Products | 28-Nov-2023 | White Paper

Postbiotic ingredients are set to open up a world of opportunities across the human health and nutrition industry, fueled by developing science demonstrating...

Taking Immune Support to a New Level

Taking Immune Support to a New Level

Content provided by AB Biotek Human Nutrition & Health | 30-Oct-2023 | White Paper

Patent-pending ABB C1® redefines immune support by addressing innate, acquired, and Trained Immunity. In 'ABB C1®: Training Now for Future Immune...

Gencor Pacific Limited

Gencor Pacific Limited

Content provided by Gencor | 05-Oct-2023 | Product Brochure

In a recent clinical trial backing its ingredient Libifem® for improved muscle strength, power, endurance and body composition with a females-only popluation...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Nutra Champions Podcast

Nutra Champions Podcast