In a major crackdown, an illegal health supplement manufacturing unit operating from a residential building in Loni, Ghaziabad, was busted by local police on Wednesday. The raid, led by Assistant Commissioner (Food) Dr. Arvind Yadav, uncovered unlicensed operations producing protein powders and muscle recovery supplements.
Key Findings from the Raid

• Unlicensed Operations: The owner, Himanshu Bhardwaj, admitted to running the unit without the mandatory Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license.

• Seized Goods: Officials confiscated eight samples of raw materials weighing over 100 kg and 41 cans of finished health supplement products, each weighing 500 g.

• Expired Materials: Several raw materials and finished products were found to be stored beyond their expiry date, raising serious safety concerns.

• No Traceability: The owner failed to produce records of where the raw materials were sourced, adding to the irregularities.

The Investigation
The illegal unit, set up on the ground floor of a residential building, was producing health supplements, primarily protein powders. These were then packaged locally in Ghaziabad and transported to Delhi for labeling and retail sale.
According to Dr. Yadav, the confiscated items have been sent for laboratory testing, and further action will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act once the test reports are received.
Why This Matters to Pharmacists and Retailers

• Compliance Is Crucial: This case highlights the importance of sourcing products from FSSAI-compliant manufacturers to avoid legal complications.

• Consumer Safety: Selling unregulated or expired health supplements can harm consumers, damaging trust and reputation.

• Stricter Oversight: Pharmacists must double-check the source of their inventory, especially for health supplements, to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

What’s Next?
The ongoing investigation aims to trace the supply chain and identify other parties involved in this illegal operation. Authorities are expected to take stringent actions, which may include fines and criminal charges, against the owner and associated entities.