Incident Report: Unauthorized Use of Plant-Based Fibers in Nutritional Supplements
On November 8, 2025, a significant food safety incident was reported involving the unauthorized use of various plant-based fibers, including wheat straw vegetable fibers and flax, in nutritional supplements. This issue was detected in the United States of America and has raised concerns regarding the safety and integrity of these dietary products.
The incident falls under the category of control and is classified as a hazard related to food ingredients and compounds. The presence of unauthorized fibers in nutritional supplements can pose potential health risks to consumers, particularly those with allergies or sensitivities to these materials. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the ingredients in their dietary supplements to avoid adverse reactions.
The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed portal (RASFF) has been instrumental in identifying and reporting this issue, highlighting the importance of vigilance in food safety monitoring. Regulatory authorities are expected to take appropriate measures to address this incident, ensuring that all nutritional supplements meet safety standards and contain only approved ingredients.
Consumers are advised to check the labels of their nutritional supplements and report any concerns regarding unusual ingredients to health authorities. Maintaining transparency in food labeling is essential for consumer safety and trust.