The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) has warned against promoting or using various peptide substances through some social media platforms or unlawfully at certain fitness centers, amid claims that they build muscle, increase muscle mass, improve athletic performance, burn fat or accelerate recovery after exercise.
The JFDA said in a statement Wednesday that none of these claims has been scientifically proven.
The authority said the products being promoted include BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, Kisspeptin, IGF-1, Tesamorelin, Retatrutide and others. All of them are unlicensed and not officially registered in Jordan, and their sources and ingredients are unknown.
It warned that their use could lead to serious health effects, including disruptions to hormonal balance and the functions of the reproductive system, cardiovascular system and liver, as well as other health complications that could be fatal.
Regarding retatrutide, the authority explained that the substance remains under research and development and has not been officially introduced into pharmaceutical markets worldwide by its developer. This will remain the case until studies establishing its safety, efficacy and quality are completed.
The authority noted that retatrutide is subject to patents held exclusively by the developer for its production, distribution and sale once it is officially registered worldwide. It warned against misleading promotion of versions of the substance whose manufacturing, source and ingredients are unknown.
The JFDA said its intensive monitoring campaigns include tracking promoters through social media, taking legal action against them, and coordinating with relevant authorities, including the Cybercrime Unit and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, to shut down such websites and pages. Violators are also referred to the public prosecutor for legal action, while fitness centers found to be distributing or handling such substances are closed.
The authority said that more than 10 online pages and six fitness centers have been shut down in recent months, stressing that its monitoring campaigns will continue to track such practices and take the necessary measures against violators.
The JFDA urged citizens to verify that any substance or product has been approved by the authority before using it, in order to protect their health and safety.
It also invited citizens to contact the authority through its official complaints platform via WhatsApp at 0795632000, or through the toll-free complaints hotline at 117114, in case of any observation, inquiry or complaint.
