Sports supplements and batch testing

The risk

Supplements can be contaminated with substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list, through shared equipment, contaminated raw materials or deliberate adulteration upstream. Under strict liability, an athlete can be banned even if the contamination wasn't their fault.

How batch testing works

• Independent programmes test supplements for prohibited substances.
• The strongest schemes test every batch before it's released and publish the results, so athletes can check their batch number.
• Other schemes test samples periodically. They're useful, but they cover fewer batches.
• Only use a programme's logo if your product and batch are certified under that scheme.

Labelling rules still apply

• Health claims for creatine, caffeine, protein and carbohydrate must use the authorised wording and meet their conditions, for example creatine's 3 g daily intake.
• Caffeine products need the caffeine warning and the amount per daily dose. See mandatory warnings.
• Protein powders sold as ordinary food need the standard nutrition declaration.
• “Banned substance tested” claims must be accurate and specific.

Good practice

• Use suppliers and manufacturers with controls on contamination.
• Keep batch-level certificates and test results.
• Print the batch number clearly so athletes can check it.