The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict advisory directing food business operators (FBOs) to ensure that only the roots of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and their extracts are used in food products, in line with notified standards. The regulator has explicitly prohibited the use of Ashwagandha leaves in any form, including crude and extracts.
The advisory comes amid growing concerns that certain manufacturers are incorporating Ashwagandha leaves into nutraceuticals, supplements, and functional foods such as herbal teas, protein blends, nutrition powders, and wellness beverages. FSSAI clarified that such practices violate existing regulations.
According to the advisory, the use of Ashwagandha leaves “in crude or extract or any other form is not permitted” under the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016
FSSAI noted that Schedule IV of these regulations clearly allows only the roots and their extracts of Ashwagandha for use in such products, subject to prescribed limits. The authority has urged all FBOs to ensure strict compliance, warning that any deviation could invite action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
“It has been brought to the notice of FSSAI that certain manufacturers of these products are using Ashwagandha leaves and its extracts in their products,” the advisory states, adding that such use is not permitted under the regulations.
Ashwagandha, a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine, is widely used across a range of modern wellness products, including nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbal teas, protein blends, nutrition powders, and wellness beverages. The regulator has emphasised that any deviation from the notified standards will invite strict action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The move aligns with recent directions from the Ministry of Ayush, which has also instructed manufacturers of Ayurvedic drugs and products to use only Ashwagandha roots. In a letter dated April 15, 2026, the Ministry instructed all Ayush drug and product manufacturers, exporters, and sellers to use only Ashwagandha roots in crude or extract form and strictly prohibited the use of leaves. The Ministry cited scientific studies highlighting potential safety concerns associated with Ashwagandha leaves due to higher concentrations of reactive withanolides, particularly Withaferin-A.
FSSAI has asked state food safety commissioners and regional directors to maintain strict vigilance and initiate action against non-compliance. The advisory underscores the regulator’s focus on ensuring consumer safety amid the rising popularity of herbal and functional food products in India.