The consumer protection organization Foodwatch has issued a warning regarding a new dietary product-Ashwagandha-which, although initially sold primarily online, is now becoming available in supermarkets. The plant, sourced from India, is traditionally regarded as a remedy for stress.
According to a report by “Tagesspiegel”, Foodwatch CEO Chris Methmann stated that the dried powder is now being sold as a capsule, marketed as a way to achieve a relaxed state. However, Methmann criticized that these claims are not supported by scientific evidence, noting that the products violate clear regulations governing the advertising of health benefits.
Despite these violations, the food safety authorities tasked with investigating such breaches lack sufficient personnel to take action. Methmann explained that the responsibility for inspections, including those conducted in the online sector, falls to local municipal and district offices, but these control bodies are unable to keep pace with the demand.
Consequently, the consumer advocate is calling for a fundamental overhaul of food supervision. For widespread issues like those posed by Ashwagandha, a centralized authority that monitors the entire scope of the trade, including online platforms, is necessary.
