Abstract

In this article, we explore the significant aspects of dietary supplements, including their uses, needs, legislation, and related case law. The dietary supplement industry in India is a multi-billion-dollar business encompassing a wide range of products, from simple vitamin tablets to powders and dry products. We will examine the challenges faced by the supplement industry, strategies to address them, and the various legislations that govern this sector, including the penalties under these laws. We will also delve into the reasons for malpractice within the supplement business, its impact on health, and the growing health consciousness in India. Additionally, we will review various case laws that define and regulate the use of dietary supplements. The penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will also be discussed. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of an expansive industry that remains under-regulated by government bodies, often perceived as a niche market rather than the global multi-billion-dollar industry it is. The government's approach to maximizing tax revenue from this industry, without recognizing the potential benefits of these products for enhancing the physical capacity of the average Indian citizen, is also critiqued. Furthermore, we argue that in India, laws related to dietary supplements are overseen by the FSSAI, a body that may lack the competence required to effectively regulate this industry.

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