The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has taken a crucial step to ensure the safety and compliance of food products specifically designed for sportspersons. In alignment with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, FSSAI has emphasized the need to strictly prohibit the inclusion of any substances banned by WADA in food products categorized as ‘Food for Sportspersons.’

As per the FSS (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food, and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016, all food business operators (FBOs) providing food for sportspersons must ensure that no prohibited substances are included. WADA annually declares these substances and are effective from January 1 each year. The statement reads, " ... Prohibited substances declared by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) shall not be added in any of the articles of food specified for sport persons. Food business operator must ensure to check the list of prohibited substances which is published annually by the World Anli-Doping Agency and is effective from the January 1 every year."

Designation of testing laboratory

To reinforce this initiative, FSSAI has designated the Centre of Excellence for Research and Analysis of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, located at the National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, as a key laboratory for testing prohibited substances in food for sportspersons. This laboratory, accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), has the necessary certification to test for the 76 substances currently banned by WADA under the category of 'Chemical-Nutritional Supplement.'

Guidelines for enforcement

FSSAI has directed enforcement authorities across States and Union Territories, along with regional directors and central licensing authorities, to utilize the designated laboratory for testing food products marketed for sportspersons when necessary. The scope of the laboratory's accreditation is available on the NABL website, and any updates to the accreditation will be reflected accordingly.

This move underscores FSSAI's commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of sportspersons by ensuring that food products designed for them are free from substances that could lead to health risks or disqualifications under anti-doping regulations.