FSSAI’s Role in Regulating Health Drinks and Protein Supplements

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In recent years, health drinks and protein supplements have become a major part of modern lifestyles. From athletes and gym-goers to working professionals and students, millions of Indians now rely on these products for nutrition, energy, and better fitness. However, not all health drinks and supplements in the market are safe or genuine. Many products make false claims or contain ingredients that may harm health when consumed without proper regulation. That’s where the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) steps in.

In this blog, we will explain how FSSAI regulates health drinks and protein supplements to ensure they are safe, effective, and compliant with India’s food safety laws.

Why Regulation Is Needed for Health Drinks and Supplements

The Indian nutrition market is booming. From protein powders and energy drinks to fortified juices and herbal beverages, the variety is vast. However, this rapid growth has also led to an increase in misleading claims and unsafe ingredients. Some products may contain banned substances, while others mislabel their nutrient content.

FSSAI’s intervention ensures:

• Consumer safety – preventing health risks from contaminated or fake products.
• Transparency – ensuring labels clearly show ingredients and nutrition values.
• Accountability – requiring companies to follow proper licensing and quality checks.
• Fair business practices – preventing false advertising and unapproved health claims.

FSSAI Classification: How the Authority Defines Health Drinks and Supplements

FSSAI divides these products into specific categories to make regulation clear:

1. Health Drinks / Nutraceutical Beverages – Products containing added nutrients, herbal extracts, or vitamins that aim to promote wellness. Examples: malt-based drinks, fortified juices, herbal teas, and vitamin-enriched waters.
2. Protein Supplements / Nutraceuticals – Products made with concentrated protein sources like whey, casein, or soy, often consumed for muscle growth or recovery.
3. Fortified Foods – Everyday foods or drinks with added vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, or vitamin D.

Licensing and Approval Process

Every company manufacturing or selling these products must obtain an FSSAI License. This license ensures the products meet all food safety and labeling requirements.

Key steps include:

1. Product Formulation Approval – Manufacturers must disclose every ingredient, its source, and safety level.
2. Safety and Quality Testing – Samples undergo laboratory testing for heavy metals, toxins, and banned substances.
3. Label Review – The FSSAI verifies that labels mention nutrient composition, dosage, and usage instructions.
4. License Issuance – Only after passing all these checks can the company sell its product legally in India.

Common FSSAI Labeling Rules for Health Drinks

Proper labeling helps consumers make informed decisions. FSSAI mandates that every health drink or supplement label must include:

• Name and type of the product (e.g., Protein Powder, Vitamin Drink).
• Nutritional composition per serving.
• List of ingredients in descending order.
• Recommended daily usage.
• FSSAI License Number.
• Manufacturer’s name, address, and batch number.
• Expiry or best-before date.
• Warning: “NOT FOR MEDICINAL USE” — to clarify it’s a food product, not a drug.

Ingredient Standards and Banned Substances

FSSAI provides an approved list of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and botanical ingredients allowed in supplements. Only ingredients listed under the Schedule I–VI of the 2016 Regulations can be used.

It strictly prohibits:

• Steroids or hormones used in bodybuilding supplements.
• Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, or mercury above safe limits.
• Non-approved herbal extracts that have no scientific evidence of safety.
• Artificial sweeteners or flavors beyond permissible limits.

The Business Side of Health Drinks and Supplements

The health supplement sector in India is growing rapidly, projected to reach over ₹30,000 crore by 2027. This growth has attracted startups, gyms, nutrition brands, and wellness companies into the space.

For any business involved in manufacturing, importing, or selling health supplements, FSSAI compliance is not just mandatory — it’s a major trust factor.

• FSSAI Certification Builds Credibility: Consumers prefer certified brands.
• Enables E-Commerce Sales: Online platforms like Amazon or Flipkart require sellers to have valid FSSAI licenses.
• Open Export Opportunities: Many countries accept Indian FSSAI-certified products more easily.
• Prevents Legal Trouble: Compliance reduces the risk of product recalls and penalties.

Consumer Awareness and Safety

FSSAI also runs public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about checking the FSSAI logo and license number before buying any supplement.

Consumers are advised to:

• Avoid buying protein or energy drinks from unverified brands.
• Check labels for FSSAI license numbers and manufacturing details.
• Report unsafe products through the Food Safety Connect app.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite strict rules, the market still faces challenges:

• Small manufacturers struggle with certification costs and technical documentation.
• Some imported supplements bypass proper registration.
• Misleading advertisements continue to promote unverified health claims.

Conclusion

FSSAI plays a critical role in regulating India’s fast-growing health drink and supplement industry. By ensuring that every product is tested, certified, and properly labeled, it safeguards public health while promoting responsible nutrition practices.

For manufacturers and startups, compliance isn’t just about following the law — it’s about building trust and ensuring long-term business success.

Note: To learn more or apply for an FSSAI license for your food or supplement business, visit https://fssairegistrar.com/ .