If you regularly consume health supplements or buy packaged water from the market, this news is important for you. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the license of a packaged water company for violating regulations and has banned the production and sale of a health supplement named ‘Venolex Forte’. Let us understand why this action was taken and what precautions consumers should observe. When purchasing bottled water or health supplements, most people assume these products meet all necessary safety standards. However, recent actions by the FSSAI demonstrate that even minor negligence regarding regulations can have serious consequences. The FSSAI has suspended the license of Tripura-based ‘Matru Drinking Water’, while Punjab-based ‘Noble Healthcare’ has been barred from the production, storage, distribution, and sale of its health supplement, ‘Venolex Forte’. Serious violations of food safety regulations were uncovered during investigations in both cases.
Against which companies did the FSSAI take action?
According to the FSSAI, a complaint was received regarding the presence of foreign matter in packaged water produced by Matru Drinking Water. A subsequent inspection revealed several serious lapses. The investigation found that finished water bottles were stored directly on the floor alongside non-food items, posing a risk of contamination. Additionally, poor hygiene conditions were observed in the processing and filling areas, including broken walls, peeling paint, cobwebs, and inadequate pest control measures.
What irregularities were found in the health supplement?
The FSSAI has prohibited Mohali-based Noble Healthcare from manufacturing, storing, distributing, or selling its health supplement, ‘Venolex Forte’. The investigation revealed that the product contained ingredients not permitted for use in health supplements under current regulations.
Which regulations were violated? ‘Venolex Forte’ was found to contain ingredients such as Calcium Dobesilate, Diosmin, and Euphorbia prostrata, which are not approved for use in health supplements. Furthermore, the Vitamin C content exceeded prescribed standards. Consequently, the manufacture and sale of this product were banned. This action does not imply that every packaged water or health supplement available in the market is unsafe. However, it serves as a reminder that one should not rely solely on packaging or advertisements when purchasing such products. It is essential to carefully read the product label, manufacturer details, license information, and usage instructions. If you have any doubts about a health supplement or if it makes significant health-related claims, it is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming it.
Is the health supplement genuine or fake? Here’s how to identify it:
Check the FSSAI license number: The packet should display a 14-digit FSSAI license number. Be cautious if the number is missing or appears incorrect.
Read the label carefully: Ingredients, nutritional value, batch number, and manufacturing/expiry dates should be clearly stated.
Beware of exaggerated claims: Do not trust supplements that make claims like “lose weight in 7 days,” “cure diabetes completely,” or offer a “100% guarantee.”
Buy only from trusted sellers: Purchase only from authorized medical stores, the company’s official website, or reliable e-commerce platforms.
Check the seal and packaging: A broken seal, damaged packaging, or spelling errors could indicate a counterfeit product.
Consult a doctor: Especially if the supplement claims to offer significant health benefits or if you are already taking medication for a medical condition.
- Why did FSSAI ban Venolex Forte?
Testing revealed the presence of ingredients that are not permitted for use in health supplements.
- How do I check the FSSAI license number? The 14-digit license number on the product packaging can be verified on the FSSAI portal.
- Are all health supplements unsafe?
No, FSSAI’s actions are based on specific violations. Not all supplements are unsafe.
- How can one identify counterfeit health supplements?
Be sure to check the license number, seal, packaging, batch number, and manufacturer details.
- What should one look for when buying packaged water?
Make sure to check for the FSSAI license, the sealed pack, the expiry date, and the brand’s credibility.
