Mandatory to write 'not for medical use' on packaging of health supplements in UP

The government in Uttar Pradesh is preparing to take strict action against companies making claims regarding the treatment, prevention, and control of diseases in the name of health supplements and nutraceutical products. According to an Amar Ujala report, it will now be mandatory to clearly state the category on the packaging of every product. It has been made compulsory to write 'not for medical use' on all packs of health supplements, nutraceuticals, foods for special dietary uses, foods for special medical purposes, probiotics, and prebiotic products.

New guidelines in this regard have been issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), Dr. Roshan Jackbey. Such products are being sold on a large scale in the state. A review conducted by the FSDA revealed that rules regarding prescribed doses and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) are being violated in these products. Additionally, the use of unauthorised ingredients, misleading names, and negligence regarding production and marketing regulations have also been observed.

Many companies are claiming diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases through these products, whereas these products, which fall under the category of food items, cannot be presented as an alternative to medicine. Taking into account the negligence of companies, oversight will now be maintained not only on the quality of protein powders, vitamin-mineral supplements, herbal products, probiotics, prebiotics, and special medical food products but also on their names, packaging, labelling, advertising, and health-related claims.

Significant restrictions have also been imposed on advertisements under the new rules. Companies will no longer be able to sell products in the name of diabetes or kidney care. There will be a ban on the sale of products sold under names such as diabetes care, arthritis care, and kidney care. The scope of this ban will include not only manufacturers but also brand owners, contract manufacturers, re-labellers, re-packers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, as well as e-commerce platforms.

In special dietary products prepared for athletes, substances included in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list cannot be used. Furthermore, the use of medicines, hormones, steroids, narcotics, and psychotropic substances in health supplements, nutraceuticals, FSDU, FSMP, probiotics, and prebiotic products will also be prohibited. In the case of herbal products, only plants and their parts approved in Regulation Schedule-4 can be used.

The main objective of these steps is to protect consumers from misleading advertisements and to ensure that food items are not wrongly presented as medicine. Strict supervision will also be maintained on online sales to prevent violations occurring through e-commerce platforms.