Health Supplements And Nutraceuticals Containing PABA, A Banned Ingredient

New Delhi, 18 July 2020:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a letter to all Commissioners of Food Safety of all States, UTs and Central Licensing Authorities about Surveillance and enforcement to prohibit sell of Health Supplements and nutraceutical products containing PABA (Para Amino Benzoic Acid) a banned ingredient.

FSSAI letter stated that vide order No. Stds/Nutra(DCGI)/FSSAI - 2017 (Pt 1) dated 29.6.2018 the FSSAI has banned the use of PABA (Para Amino Benzoic Acid) in the products covered under Nutraceutical Regulations due to safety concerns with immediate effect.

Para 2 (c) of the said order also directed the FBOs that no further manufacturing of products using this said ingredient is allowed. Any product containing such ingredient which is already manufactured/ imported shall be withdrawn from the market immediately.

FSSAI further says that it has come to notice that several health supplements and nutraceutical products containing PABA are still being sold in the market as well as on e-commerce platforms.

Therefore, now all Commissioners of Food Safety of all States, UTs and Central Licensing Authorities are requested to carry out Surveillance and enforcement and ensure compliance of  Order No. Stds/Nutra(DCGI)/FSSAI - 2017 (Pt 1) dated 29.6.2018. DrugsControl