GNC Illegal Synthetic Ingredients Lawsuit

Our attorneys have filed a class action lawsuit alleging that General Nutrition Company (GNC) knowingly sold products containing unlawful synthetic chemicals to consumers.

According to the lawsuit, certain dietary supplements sold by GNC were spiked with illegal and potentially dangerous substances: picamilon, BMPEA, and acacia rigidula. The Food and Drug Administration has stated in warning letters to manufacturers as well as in an official declaration that picamilon, BMPEA, and acacia rigidula are not approved “dietary ingredients” under federal law and therefore cannot lawfully be sold to consumers.

The complaint, last amended in April 2016, alleges that by knowingly selling dietary supplements labeled with picamilon, BMPEA, and acacia rigidula, GNC falsely represented to consumers that these substances were safe and approved for sale as dietary ingredients. The suit also alleges that certain other supplements sold by GNC contained undisclosed BMPEA falsely labeled as acacia rigidula.

The first amended consolidated complaint asks the court to certify a nationwide class of affected consumers, as well as subclasses of consumers from Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

GNC has moved to dismiss the complaint, and Plaintiffs have opposed the motion. The district court is currently considering the motion.

What Are Picamilon, Acacia Rigidula, and BMPEA?

Picamilon is a synthetic chemical developed by researchers in the former Soviet Union. It is used as a prescription drug in Russia for a variety of neurological conditions but has never been approved for prescription or other use in the United States.

BMPEA is an amphetamine-like synthetic chemical that is not found in nature. Its effects on humans are largely unknown but a study has linked the chemical to the occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke. The use of BMPEA has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Organization.

Acacia rigidula is a botanical extract that the FDA has stated has no history of safe use.

Gibbs Mura is one of the nation’s leading firms representing consumers and small businesses in cases involving consumer protection.

Affected Products