FSSAI asks states to crackdown on performance enhancing drugs

New Delhi: Food regulator FSSAI today asked the food safety commissioner of states/UTs to launch special drive to check use of performance enhancing drugs and other banned drugs in health supplements.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) noted that use of health supplements by youth and sportsperson is gathering popularity in India and there is a possibility that unscrupulous manufacturers could add certain performance enhancing drugs and other banned substances in these products.

"Food Safety Commissioner of states/UTs are requested to initiate special drive to check for use of such substances in food supplements. Strict scrutiny of labels for use of such substances be done," FSSAI said.

The regulator has written a letter to the commissioners on 'Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Health Supplements' and it has also provided a list of such drugs banned by the World Anti-Doping ASgency (WADA) to states/UTs.

In case of any suspicion, FSSAI said that samples should be drawn and sent to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). In such case Director General, NADA may be contacted.

"Action as provided under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 shall be initiated against defaulting food business operators," it said.

FSSAI said that such substances which are not declared on the labels may risk the health of the unsuspecting consumers. It also noted that use of performance enhancer drugs by athletes are also reported in media. India stands third in the world in doping violation cases.