The primary purpose of guidance document on the use of supplements/ products intended for sports person is an attempt to provide information not only on the use but also about the labeling and claims for the products. The stakeholders are ranging from sports persons to supplement manufacturer, importers, distributors, retailers and general public who will use the information provided in the document.
There have been reports of supplements laced/ spiked with banned substances which are unknown to the consumers and this results in unintentional use of prohibited substances which may also be harmful to health. This document has attempted to provide an overview about the regulatory status and will help the consumers to understand available provisions made in the FSSAI regulations as well as in NADA’s Anti-doping rule which implies the Strict Liability Clause for the sportspersons where the use of prohibited substances is strictly prohibited and considered unethical.
To eradicate the menace of doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is a foundation initiated by International Olympic Committee (IOC) which is coordinating the efforts in the fight against doping. In India, it is National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) which ensures the implementation of anti-doping program in the country.
Supplements are generally used by various groups of people; however, the use by competing sportspersons of different age group is gaining importance nowadays. This guidance document is an outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and NADA in an effort to protect the rights of sportspersons health and to promote fair play.
In the sporting atmosphere, Government of India (GOI) is committed to provide dope free environment for all the competing sports persons. This collaboration enables both the regulatory bodies in bringing hands together to provide healthy ecosystem for sportspersons to make informed choices. In this effort the overview of anti-doping rules/ regulations and FSSAI existing rules/ regulations governing the manufacture, import, distribution and provisions made under the regulations are discussed. The information provided in the document is not only to create awareness to sportspersons but also to manufacturer for a better understanding of the current regulatory processes.
Under the collaboration, FSSAI has already issued a circular to all Food Safety Commissioner for appropriate enforcement and surveillance to ensure the compliance with regard to Food Safety Regulations.
The supplements are available both online and offline mode, covering various types of supplements which are intended for use by sportsperson and also to maintain normal health of public. According to FSSAI regulations, the supplements are being categorized based upon their composition and use, however, there is no specific category of supplements meant for sports person mentioned in the regulation. The Working Group has provided a holistic classification for various supplements/ products intended for use by sports persons and a comprehensive list ofsupplements used by sports persons and other stakeholders has also been listed out.
The current regulation process for the manufacturer including registration and licensingwith FSSAI, label and claims, authenticity, traceability and date marking are briefed in the document. For the better understanding of the document, the appendices list is being provided which includes the definitions, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), prohibited list of substances and methods issued by WADA which is revised annually and is effective from January 1st of each year (https://www.wada-ama.org/) , Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), and Dietary Guidelines has also been provided in the document.
In respect of recognized sports in India, a link of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has been provided – https://yas.nic.in/sports/support-organisations-1
