UK – The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a grave warning to consumers, urging them not to use Sci-Mx Nutrition branded protein powder that has been recalled due to the presence of potentially fatal levels of caffeine.
This alarming discovery has sent shockwaves through the fitness community, raising concerns about the safety of popular dietary supplements.
The product under scrutiny is the strawberry-flavored Sci-Mx Nutrition Ultra Muscle, sold in 1.5 kg bags, with a best before date of March 2025.
The contaminated batches, marked with the batch code W110429, contain more than 5,000mg (five grams) of caffeine per serving.
Shockingly, the packaging recommends consuming two servings per day, potentially exposing users to over 10,000mg (10 grams) of caffeine daily – a dose considered lethal for most individuals. Certain people are at risk of severe consequences even with as little as three grams of caffeine.
FSA’s head of incidents, Tina Potter, has urgently warned consumers against using the recalled product.
High caffeine levels can lead to a range of health issues, including anxiety, sleeplessness, agitation, palpitations, diarrhoea, and restlessness. Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions may even experience worsened psychosis due to caffeine consumption.
In this particular case, where caffeine levels are exceptionally high, the consequences could be far more severe, potentially even fatal.
Troubling trend
Disturbingly, this is not an isolated incident. The FSA has identified two additional batches of Sci-Mx protein powder that contain unsafe levels of caffeine.
Batch codes W110430 and W110431 were found to have 540mg and 17mg of caffeine per serving, respectively.
Although these levels are not as alarming as in the first batch, they still pose significant health risks, especially if consumed regularly.
As the scale of the recall becomes evident, Sci-Mx Nutrition has taken swift action to protect its customers.
Anyone who has purchased the recalled protein powder is strongly advised not to consume it. Instead, they are urged to contact the Sci-Mx Nutrition customer helpline to arrange a full refund. The company is taking its responsibility seriously in ensuring the safety and well-being of its consumers.
The revelation of life-threatening caffeine levels in Sci-Mx Nutrition protein powder serves as a wake-up call for consumers to be vigilant when choosing dietary supplements.
While these products are widely used to support fitness and health goals, it is essential to thoroughly research and review the safety and efficacy of any supplement before use. Consulting with healthcare professionals and following recommended serving sizes is crucial to avoid potential health hazards.
Calls for stricter regulation
In the wake of this alarming discovery, the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance is calling for stricter regulation and monitoring of dietary supplements to protect the public from potential harm.
The incident highlights the need for closer scrutiny of supplement ingredients and manufacturing practices to ensure the safety of consumers across the industry.
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