The Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has responded to concerns surrounding Blackmores supplements allegedly causing toxic effects in Australia.
The case gained attention following reports that two Blackmores products: Super Magnesium+ and Ashwagandha+, were linked to neurological issues caused by high levels of vitamin B6.
In a written statement issued on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, BPOM clarified that these products are not officially registered in Indonesia.
“Based on BPOM data, the products in question are not registered in Indonesia. You can verify this through the BPOM Check or BPOM Mobile app,” BPOM stated.
The confirmation follows growing public concern over a class action lawsuit in Australia. The lawsuit was filed by Australian resident Dominic Noonan-O’Keeffe, who began consuming the two supplements in May 2023.
He later experienced symptoms such as chronic fatigue, nerve pain, visual disturbances, and difficulty walking. Noonan was diagnosed with neuropathy, a condition linked to excessive intake of vitamin B6.
Investigations found that the vitamin B6 levels in the Blackmores products were reportedly up to 29 times higher than the recommended daily intake.
Although Noonan stopped taking the supplements in early 2024, the symptoms were said to persist. In response, Blackmores Australia stated it had complied with all regulatory requirements and expressed readiness to cooperate with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) should a review or distribution suspension be necessary.
“We have complied with existing regulations in Australia and will support any review process conducted by the TGA,” Blackmores said, as quoted by Australian media outlets.
BPOM Takes Action on Unauthorised Blackmores Supplement Online Sales in Indonesia
Following media reports and consumer complaints, BPOM confirmed that while the controversial products were not legally distributed in Indonesia, they had been found on several e-commerce platforms.
“BPOM has coordinated with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the Indonesian E-Commerce Association (idEA), and related marketplaces that have been detected selling these products to take down the sales links and submit a negative list/blocking request for the products in question,” BPOM explained.
View this post on Instagram
The agency also warned of legal consequences for any business distributing health supplements without official authorisation.
Under Article 435 in conjunction with Article 138 (2) and (3) of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, such violations may lead to up to 12 years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Rp 5 billion.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar addressed the situation during a press statement at the Ministry of Defence in Jakarta:
“So we have conducted research and found that there are several places selling [the product] via e-commerce, and we will write to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs to take it down,” he stated, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
BPOM continues to monitor the situation and is working in close coordination with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia to gather further updates and information.
“We are continuing pre- and post-market surveillance to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of health supplements circulating in Indonesia,” BPOM said.
The agency urged Indonesian consumers to remain cautious and to always check the registration status of supplements through official BPOM verification tools.
