Statewide Drive Launched to Check Quality of Protein Powders and Energy Drinks
Drug-Free Haryana Campaign Gets a New Dimension, Government Keeps a Close Watch on Youth Health
Under the Leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Focus on Keeping Youth Away from Drugs and Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
Chandigarh, October 8: The Haryana Government has taken another important step towards protecting the youth from substance abuse and encouraging them to adopt a healthy and positive lifestyle. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, the ongoing ‘Drug-Free Haryana’ campaign has been expanded, with increased focus on the quality of products related to youth health that are witnessing growing use in the name of enhancing fitness and energy.
The objective of this initiative is not only to keep young people away from drugs but also to make sports, fitness and a healthy lifestyle an integral part of their daily routine. With this objective, marathons are being organised every month across the state.
As part of this broader initiative, the Food and Drug Administration, Haryana, conducted a special statewide enforcement drive simultaneously across all districts on October 5. During the drive, 61 establishments, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers and chemist outlets, were inspected. A total of 73 samples of nutraceuticals, protein powders and energy drinks were collected under Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. These samples have been sent for testing to the State Food Laboratories in Chandigarh and Karnal, as well as NABL-accredited laboratories.
Investigation Initiated into ‘100% Natural’ Claim in Rohtak
During the campaign, a stock of ‘Natural Protein Powder’ (Code: RTK/DO/2025) was found at the premises of M/s The Variety Nutrition in Rohtak. The product carried an unsubstantiated claim of being ‘100% Natural’. In addition, mandatory information such as the expiry date, manufacturer’s address and FSSAI licence number was missing from the label.
Immediate legal action has been initiated against the firm under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Strict Action to Follow Based on Sample Test Reports
The Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, said that the government has issued clear and strict directions that no product or business entity compromising the health of the youth will be spared. He said that in the Rohtak case, the product carried a ‘100% Natural’ claim, while mandatory details such as the expiry date, manufacturer’s address and FSSAI licence number were not provided. Action is being taken in such cases under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the relevant rules.
He informed that the 73 samples collected during the campaign have been sent to the State Food Laboratories in Chandigarh and Karnal and NABL-accredited laboratories. Further action will be determined on the basis of the test reports. If any sample is found to be unsafe, substandard, misbranded or non-compliant, strict action will be taken against the concerned manufacturer, distributor or seller as per the prescribed rules.
He said that the enforcement campaign will continue on a regular basis, with periodic inspections across the state to check the quality, labelling, licensing and sale of such products.
The Commissioner also clarified that action will be taken as per the rules against those selling such products to minor children, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups without the advice of a doctor or dietician.
He appealed to manufacturers and sellers to clearly display all mandatory information on their products and ensure complete compliance with food safety standards.
The Haryana Government’s youth-centric initiative is aimed not only at taking action against substance abuse but also at providing young people with healthy alternatives and guiding them towards a positive lifestyle. Along with awareness campaigns against drugs, sports activities and regular marathons, the action being taken by the Food and Drug Administration is further strengthening this comprehensive effort.