Big muscle nutrition accused of protein spiking and fined for 1 lakh rupees

The Mumbai-based consumer commission has ordered a company to compensate a fitness enthusiast with Rs 1.1 lakh after finding out that the protein powder he bought online had more sugar and carbohydrates than what was advertised by the company. Big muscle nutrition fraud The complaint was filed by Rahul Shekhawata. He is a health enthusiast from Powai. Rahul purchased the ‘BigMuscles Nutrition’ protein powder for Rs 1,599 from an online portal in February last year. Shekhawata bought a box of protein powder that claimed to have “100 per cent performance” and “24 grams of high-quality protein with no added sugar”. However, after reading some articles about whey protein not being good for health, he contacted the company. Company assured him that the product only had health benefits and even provided a lab report. Still not convinced, Shekhawata got the product tested himself. He found that it contained sugar and carbohydrates, contrary to the company’s claims.  The company failed to respond to his notice, so he decided to take his complaint to the consumer forum. Shekhawata pointed out that the product’s label inaccurately. Company stated that there was no total sugar, when in fact there was 9.60 grams per 100 grams of the product. Fake claims rules in India. The company did not show up at the forum. The commission ruled that the lab report confirmed the false claims made on the product’s label. It is especially regarding the protein content. The commission expressed concern over the discrepancies in the product’s contents revealed by the lab testing. Comission stating that it could potentially have negative effects on people’s health.