The dietary supplement industry has seen several recalls in 2024, driven by widespread fraud, counterfeiting, and the presence of undeclared or fake ingredients. Prominent brands like NOW Foods and Fungi Perfecti have battled counterfeit products on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, highlighting the urgent need for stringent measures to protect consumers.

Counterfeit Supplements

In April 2023, NOW Foods discovered nearly a dozen counterfeit supplements bearing its name on Amazon. These products, sold by a seller named A2X1, contained plain rice flour instead of the labelled active ingredients, with some even containing trace amounts of Sildenafil, a pharmaceutical drug. Similarly, Fungi Perfecti identified 23 Amazon storefronts selling counterfeit versions of its Host Defense mushroom supplements.

These counterfeit products not only defraud consumers but also pose significant health risks due to undeclared allergens, contaminants, or undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients. In response, companies like NOW Foods and Fungi Perfecti have taken legal action, collaborated with authorities, and issued consumer advisories to help consumers identify genuine products.

Undeclared and Fake Ingredients

The industry has also faced recalls due to undeclared or fake ingredients in products. In November 2023, a lawsuit targeted multiple parties for allegedly selling counterfeit Prevagen, a popular memory supplement, on Amazon. Similarly, in September 2023, counterfeit versions of Pure Encapsulations L-glutamine and NatureMD supplements were found on the platform.

Several recalls were initiated due to toxic or unlabeled ingredients in dietary supplements. Green ELV Nutrition’s Elv Control Herbal Supplement and Eva Nutrition’s Tejocote Dietary Supplements were recalled for containing yellow oleander, a toxic plant.

In Japan, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical recalled three cholesterol-lowering supplements earlier in March, containing red yeast rice (beni koji) amid investigations into two deaths and over 100 hospitalizations potentially linked to kidney disease. The fermentation process for red yeast rice can generate toxins like citrinin, which can harm the kidneys.

Legal Actions and Consumer Protection

Several companies have faced legal repercussions for fraudulent practices and selling counterfeit products. In April, the FDA issued warning letters to multiple firms for selling adulterated supplements containing undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients like sildenafil and tadalafil, commonly used in erectile dysfunction drugs.

Products like Schwinnng’s herbal supplement were recalled due to contamination with Nortadalafil, an unapproved drug analog. Similarly, ForeverMen’s Natural Energy Boost supplement was recalled for containing sildenafil and tadalafil, posing significant health risks. The FDA’s crackdown aims to protect consumers from deceptive marketing claims and undisclosed ingredients that could cause adverse effects or interact with other medications.

Market Trends and Consumer Awareness

The vitamins and supplements market in Malaysia surged to US$1.14 billion in 2023, projected to reach US$1.66 billion by 2028 amid heightened health consciousness post-Covid-19. This growth has also attracted counterfeit products, risking consumers who may unwittingly ingest harmful substances. Earlier this month in June, authorities and industry leaders of the Malaysian Dietary Supplement Association emphasized the importance of consumer education and stringent regulatory measures to safeguard against counterfeit products, urging buyers to verify authenticity before purchase, especially online.

Safeguarding Consumer Trust

The recalls underscore the importance of supply chain authenticity and traceability in the dietary supplement industry. To combat counterfeit and fraudulent supplements, brands are enhancing product authentication, supply chain monitoring, and consumer education. Consumers are advised to purchase supplements from trusted sources, inspect packaging for signs of tampering, and report any suspected counterfeits or adverse events.

Natural Trace: A Solution for Product Authenticity and Surveillance

To address these issues, Natural Trace offer solutions to enhance supply chain authenticity and traceability. Natural Trace’s technology uses DNA-based molecular markers to create unique fingerprints for raw materials and finished products, enabling accurate identification and authentication throughout the supply chain.

By implementing Natural Trace’s solutions, manufacturers can ensure ingredient authenticity, detect adulteration or counterfeiting, and provide consumers with greater transparency and confidence.

As the industry faces ongoing challenges, prioritizing supply chain integrity and adopting advanced technologies is crucial for safeguarding public health, maintaining consumer trust, and promoting a transparent and accountable industry.

References:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dietary-supplement-recalls-tackling-fraud-counterfeits-fake-puenc?

https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2023-04-14/now-reports-fraudulent-products-imitating-other-brands-including-its-own/

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/health-fraud-product-databasehttps://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements/whats-new-dietary-supplements

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/27/japan-dietary-supplement-recall-beni-koji-red-yeast-rice-cholesterol-kobayashi-pharmaceutical-investigation-kidney-disease

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/06/17/in-malaysias-billion-ringgit-dietary-supplements-industry-growing-concerns-over-counterfeits-which-undermine-consumers-safety/136105