Bipasha Basu posts on Instagram, allegedly finds worms in her protein. Bollywood Hungama, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Diet and Nutrition

Bipasha Basu Finds ‘Worms’ in Isopure Protein Powder, Seeks Tukaram Mundhe’s Help; Brand Responds

Actress Bipasha Basu posted an instagram story showing worms in her newly opened can of Isopure protein, tagging Maharashtra's FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe

Author : Mariyam F.
Edited by : M Subha Maheswari, MSc Biotechnology

MUMBAI, September 14, 2026 — Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration has been in the public eye. Since May, the IAS officer has led a series of crackdowns on restaurants, cafes and other food outlets.

By the end of July, his department had carried out more than 3,100 inspections across the state; a number he expects has since crossed 4,000 according to a BBC report. "These actions are taken in public health interest. We will continue to take them against violations." Mundhe told BBC.

Did Bipasha Basu Find Worms in Her Isopure Protein Powder?

Pof the protein powder. . She also tagged Tukaram Mundhe in her story seeking his help and calling him ‘our only hope’.

The video posted on her Instagram story consisted of an Isopure protein powder box along with a glass containing the protein powder dissolved in water. “This Isopure is full of small worms. Tiny, tiny worms. The new dabba that we’ve opened,” Bipasha said as she fished out a worm with her fingers, further zooming in on the worm on her fingertip.

September 11: Isopure Responds to Bipasha Basu’s Complaint

After facing allegations from the celebrity, the famous protein powder brand connected with  Bipasha. She posted about the same on social media.

Sumit Mathur, General Manager, Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN) India, said in a statement to Hindustan Times: “ISOPURE remains firmly committed to maintaining high standards of product quality and consumer safety. We connected promptly with the concerned Indian celebrity consumer, addressed her immediate concern, and appreciate her acknowledgement of our response. Our Quality team is currently evaluating the pack for authenticity and quality.

As part of our established protocols, we undertake regular market-monitoring interventions in coordination with designated authorities to identify and act on suspected instances of counterfeiting or unauthorized distribution. These ongoing measures are intended to help ensure that consumers receive genuine ISOPURE products. We also encourage consumers to purchase through authorized channels and use the unique QR code provided on every pack to verify its authenticity before consumption.”

In her recent story, actress Bipasha Basu praised the brand for their quick response on the matter, thanking them for educating her on where and how to access their authentic product.

What Should You Do If You Find Something Unusual in a Packaged Supplement?

Keep the container and whatever remains inside it. The batch number and expiry date on the packaging may be needed if the product is examined. Finding worms in a container does not, on its own, show how they got there. The product would have to be checked before any conclusion could be drawn about the cause.

See also: Think Your FSSAI-Approved Supplement Is Safe? These 2 Marketing Tricks Say Otherwise

Consumers should buy protein powders and other supplements from reliable and authorized sellers.

What Should Consumers Check Before Buying Protein Powder?

Consumers should buy protein powders and other supplements from reliable and authorized sellers and check that the packaging is intact before using the product. They should also verify relevant product details, particularly when buying supplements through online marketplaces or other third-party sellers.

See also: What Is Dry Scooping? Why the Viral Pre-Workout Trend May Increase Choking and Heart Risks Without Proven Benefits

Other Celebrities Who Have Mentioned or Supported Tukaram Mundhe 

This is not the first time a celebrity has mentioned Tukaram Mundhe’s name. In August, Shweta Tiwari posted a video of a cockroach she allegedly found in her Swiggy Instamart order. She asked her fans if she should tag Tukaram Mundhe in her post.

Actor Preity Zinta was recently seen in Mumbai wearing a black T-shirt with the words ‘Team Tukaram Mundhe’ written on it. Her outfit was seen as a public show of support for the official's food safety drive.

Twinkle Khanna, Daisy Shah, and others have also shown their support for him.

Apparently the New FDA Commissioner Doesn’t Spare Celebrities Too

Besides suspending licences of multiple food businesses across the state, Tukaram Mundhe has also taken action against three prominent Bollywood actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff. 

The Food and Drug Administration of Maharashtra issued notices to them, asking them to explain why they chose to participate in surrogate advertising of a pan masala brand.

(Rh/MF/MSM)

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