Independent laboratory finding
'Elements' protein powder: Citizens Protein Project 1 finding (2024)
Last checked 1 October 2026
The Citizens Protein Project 1 (April 2024) reported aflatoxin above the permitted limit in a protein powder sold under the 'Elements' name; the manufacturer is being confirmed, and no FSSAI action is on record as of 1 Oct 2026.
- Classification
- Independent lab test finding: Lab-flagged (independent test)
- 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
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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 Always check the linked government document for the current position, and tell us if something is out of date.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
- Not named in the study
- Study
- Citizens Protein Project 1 to 36 products, published April 2024
- Finding
- Aflatoxin above the permitted limit (figure as reported in the paper)
- Manufacturer
- Not named; the study lists the product as 'Elements'
- Regulator action
- None on record
A protein powder identified in the Citizens Protein Project 1 as 'Elements' was reported to contain aflatoxin above the permitted limit. The product name is shared by more than one Indian wellness brand, and the study's product table has not yet been checked to confirm which company made the sample tested; until that is done this entry carries a verification flag and no manufacturer is named. Aflatoxin findings indicate mould contamination of a plant ingredient in the lot tested and vary between batches. No FSSAI action on any product of this name is on record, and no company response has been located.
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)