The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning to consumers regarding a protein powder product sold in the UK, which has been found to contain extremely high levels of caffeine. The product in question is the 1.5kg bags SCI-Mx Nutrition Ultra Muscle Strawberry Flavour with a best before date of March 2025, sold at British variety store Home Bargains.
Testing of the product revealed that each serving contains over 5g of caffeine, equivalent to up to 200 cups of coffee. If consumers follow the recommended serving size of two helpings per day, they would be consuming over 10g of caffeine, which the FSA warns could be a lethal dose for most individuals. Certain sensitive individuals have been identified as experiencing fatal effects with doses as low as 3g.
The affected SCI-Mx product was first recalled by Home Bargains last week. SCI-Mx Nutrition also initiated a product recall and placed point of sale notices in all retail stores selling the product. Excessive caffeine consumption can result in a range of side effects including anxiety, sleeplessness, agitation, palpitations, diarrhea, and restlessness, with potentially more severe consequences for individuals with mental health conditions. However, the FSA highlights that the exceptionally high levels of caffeine in the tested batch of SCI-Mx’s product could lead to even more severe and potentially fatal consequences.
Affected products can be identified by the batch code W110429. Two additional batches, W110430 and W110431, have also been recalled after being found to be contaminated with caffeine at lower levels.
SCI-Mx stated that it is actively cooperating with the FSA and Home Bargains on the ongoing product recall. The company emphasizes that this is an isolated incident and that no other SCI-Mx products are affected. A thorough review of its systems and processes is being conducted to ensure the preservation of consumer trust and confidence.
The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) highlights the importance of a rapid response, including prompt recalls and timely information for consumers, in addressing and minimizing the impact of quality incidents such as this. Compliance with applicable rules, adequate manufacturing controls, and robust processes for ensuring high-quality and safe products are crucial in the sports and active nutrition sector.
In summary, consumers are advised not to consume the recalled SCI-Mx Nutrition Ultra Muscle Strawberry Flavour protein powder due to its exceptionally high levels of caffeine, which could have severe and potentially fatal consequences. The company is actively working with regulatory authorities and has taken steps to recall the affected batches. Compliance and quality assurance remain key priorities in the industry to ensure the safety and satisfaction of consumers.
