Independent laboratory finding
Protinex (Danone): Citizens Protein Project 1 finding (2024)
Last checked 19 September 2026. A few details are still being checked against the original document.
The Citizens Protein Project 1 (April 2024) reported a shortfall between labelled and measured protein in Danone's Protinex; the 2025 follow-up study reported aflatoxin at 14.13 µg/kg, and no FSSAI action is on record as of 19 Sep 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)
- Latest action
- 1 April 2024
- Last checked
- 19 September 2026details being verified
Photo: Generic Drug Research (5896) (8493711422).jpg by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Public domain). 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 Always check the linked government document for the current position, and tell us if something is out of date.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
- Danone India
- Study
- Citizens Protein Project 1 to 36 products, published April 2024
- Finding (CPP1)
- Protein shortfall against label (figures:, being verified
- CPP2 (2025)
- 38.1 g/100 g protein; aflatoxin 14.13 µg/kg (highest in study); cadmium 0.1 mg/kg; undeclared fructose 3.43 g/100 g
- Regulator action
- None on record
Protinex, Danone India's widely prescribed protein supplement, was reported by the Citizens Protein Project 1 to contain less protein than its label stated. The study did not place it in the most severe group but listed it among mislabelled products; exact figures are to be taken from the paper. The product was tested again in the Citizens Protein Project 2 in November 2025, which measured 38.1 g protein per 100 g and reported the highest aflatoxin total in that study, 14.13 µg/kg, just under FSSAI's 15 µg/kg limit, along with cadmium and undeclared fructose. No FSSAI action on Protinex is on record and no Danone 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.
Official sources and primary records
- The Citizens Protein Project: a self-funded, transparent, and concerned-citizen-driven study of protein supplements sold in India (Apr 2024)StudyMedicine (Wolters Kluwer)
- 70% of 36 popular protein supplements sold in India mislabeled, 14 contain toxins, says new studyNewsThePrint
- Citizens Protein Project results threadStudyThread Reader (X thread)