Labeling Compliance of Dietary Supplements: An Observational Study in the Beni Mellal Khenifra Region

TL;DR

This study found that most dietary supplements in Morocco's Beni Mellal-Khenifra region have poor labeling, especially imported and creatine-based products, highlighting the need for better regulation.

Contribution

The study provides the first observational assessment of dietary supplement labeling compliance in Morocco.

Findings

81.39% of dietary supplements were non-compliant with labeling regulations.

Creatine and amino acid-based products had 100% non-compliance, while medicinal plant-based supplements had 48%.

Imported products were significantly less compliant than locally produced ones.

Abstract

The increasing consumption of dietary supplements among physically active individuals raises concerns about labeling compliance and consumer safety, particularly in Morocco, where data remain limited. This study assessed the labeling compliance of dietary supplements with national and international regulations in the Beni Mellal–Khénifra region. An observational study was conducted between December 2024 and May 2025 on 403 dietary supplements collected from fitness centers, parapharmacies, and supermarkets. Products were evaluated using a 30‐item regulatory checklist, and data were analyzed using Chi‐squared tests and Spearman correlations. Overall, 81.39% of supplements were non‐compliant. The highest non‐compliance was observed in creatine and amino acid‐based products (100%) and multivitamins (86.2%), while medicinal plant‐based supplements showed lower non‐compliance (48%). Missing regulatory information, including dietary category, energy value, safety warnings, and registration numbers, was significantly associated with non‐compliance (p < 0.001). Imported products were significantly less compliant than locally produced ones (r = −0.694, p < 0.001). The high prevalence of labeling non‐compliance highlights the urgent need for strengthened regulatory enforcement and market surveillance to improve consumer protection and labeling transparency.

An evaluation of 403 dietary supplements marketed in the Beni Mellal–Khénifra region revealed widespread labeling non‐compliance (81.39%), with the highest rates observed in creatine‐ and amino acid–based products. Imported supplements were significantly less compliant than locally produced ones, emphasizing the need for stronger regulatory enforcement and improved market surveillance to ensure consumer safety.

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