Independent laboratory finding
BigMuscles Vegan Protein: Citizens Protein Project 1 finding (2024)
Last checked 1 October 2026
The Citizens Protein Project 1 (April 2024) reported BigMuscles Vegan Protein at 19.4% protein against a labelled 81.3% and detected the carbamate pesticide fenobucarb; BigMuscles disputed the study, and no FSSAI action is on record as of 1 Oct 2026.
- Classification
- Independent lab test finding: Lab-flagged · disputed by brand
- Tested by
- No regulator action; independent test result (Citizens Protein Project 1, published study)
- Reference
- Citizens Protein Project 1, Medicine, April 2024 (doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000037724)
- Evidence
- Independent test or study
- Latest action
- 1 April 2024
- Last checked
- 1 October 2026
Photo: Whey Protein Scoop (49935767168).jpg by unknown (CC BY 2.0). All photo credits.
70% of 36 popular protein supplements sold in India mislabeled, 14 contain toxins, says new study
No regulator has acted on this finding. It comes from a published study or a private testing company, and the brand may dispute it.
Scope. A record here does not by itself mean a product or company is unsafe or banned today. Regulatory actions can apply to one batch, one formulation, one period or one state. Always check the linked government document for the current position, and tell us if something is out of date. How we label records.
Below: Blacklisted's explanationWe explain what the test or study found. No regulator has acted on it.
Key facts
- Brand
- BigMuscles Nutrition
- Study
- Citizens Protein Project 1 to 36 products, published April 2024
- Protein claimed
- 81.3%
- Protein found
- 19.4%
- Pesticide detected
- Fenobucarb
- Brand response
- Disputed; company said the CPP1 report was forged
- Regulator action
- None on record
BigMuscles Vegan Protein showed the largest protein gap in the Citizens Protein Project 1: 19.4% measured against 81.3% on the label. The laboratory also detected fenobucarb, a carbamate insecticide used on rice and vegetables, which points to the plant raw material; the paper does not say whether the level exceeded a maximum residue limit. BigMuscles disputed the study's results for its products, describing the report as forged. No FSSAI recall, notice or prohibition on the product is on record. As with every entry from this study, the finding describes one retail sample tested in 2023 to 2024 and is not a regulatory determination.
What this means for you
A study result, not a regulatory finding
FSSAI has taken no action on this product on the basis of the study. The finding describes the sample the researchers bought.
If you use it, ask for the batch certificate
Manufacturers hold certificates of analysis per batch. NABL-accredited laboratories will also test a tub for protein and contaminants.
This is a record of official orders, not medical advice. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without asking your doctor or pharmacist.
Sources
News reports
- 70% of 36 popular protein supplements sold in India mislabeled, 14 contain toxins, says new studyNewsThePrint
Other sources
- The Citizens Protein Project: a self-funded, transparent, and concerned-citizen-driven study of protein supplements sold in India (Apr 2024)StudyMedicine (Wolters Kluwer)
- Citizens Protein Project results threadStudyThread Reader (X thread)