Bipasha Basu finds worms in protein powder, seeks Tukaram Mundhe’s help: ‘Our only hope’

With food adulteration making regular headlines in the last year, Basu’s case reiterates the urgent need for stricter frameworks that ensure safety and public wellbeing. Edwina Raj, Head of Services – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, agrees, adding that protein powder contamination or adulteration isn’t always easy to spot by looking at the product. But there are some things you can look out for.

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What to check

Raj urges consumers to check for:

• Visible insects or worms
• Unusual smell or colour
• Excessive moisture
• Abnormal clumping
• Changes in texture
• Damaged packaging or a broken seal

She also warns people to stop using the product if anything appears unusual.

What happens if you end up consuming it?

“Consuming contaminated powder may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea or food poisoning, depending on the type of contamination,” Raj tells indianexpress.com, adding that some may also develop an allergic reaction. Therefore, severe or persistent symptoms such as “repeated vomiting, dehydration, breathing difficulty or swelling” require medical attention.

Your guide to buying safe-to-eat protein powder

When buying protein powder, Raj recommends choosing a reputed brand from an authorised seller. “Check the seal, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, storage instructions, ingredient list and nutrition information, as well as look out for appropriate food-safety or quality certifications where applicable,” she lists out.

According to her, consumers should be cautious about products that are unusually cheap, have unclear labelling or promise unrealistic results such as rapid muscle gain or instant weight loss. “Once you open, the powder should also be stored properly in a cool, dry place,” she adds.

Finally, Raj says protein supplements aren’t essential for everyone, and the need for supplementation should ideally be assessed based on diet, lifestyle, and individual nutritional requirements.

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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.