MHRA safety alert for gummies

The government agency urges immediate cessation and disposal of the gummies after tests detected undeclared melatonin.

MHRA warns parents stop giving Nutrition Ignition Kids Gummies after undeclared melatonin found

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised parents to stop using Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies and to dispose of any remaining stock. Tests identified melatonin in two tested batches, with levels ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 mg per gummy. The product packaging recommended a daily dose of 1 or 2 gummies for children, but melatonin was not listed on the label.

Authorities acted quickly to remove the product from online retailers and advise households to store the gummies securely in a tamper-proof container out of reach of children until they can be disposed of at a pharmacy. Melatonin is a prescription medicine for sleep disorders and is not intended for unsupervised use in children. The MHRA notes that if a child experiences side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, or abdominal pain, a healthcare professional should be contacted and the Yellow Card reporting scheme used. No serious side effects have been reported in studies of melatonin for licensed indications in children, but safety remains a concern when it is used without medical supervision.

This episode highlights gaps in labeling and regulation for dietary supplements sold online. When a medicine appears in a product marketed as a vitamin or nutrition aid, the line between supplement and medicine blurs, raising questions about who verifies safety and labeling for child-focused items sold across platforms. The incident may intensify scrutiny on online retailers and push for tighter controls on what can be marketed as a child supplement. It also underscores the need for clear communication to parents about dosing and potential interactions with other sleep aids or medications, especially for families juggling busy schedules and varied routines.

Highlights

Regulators will watch how retailers respond and whether labeling rules tighten in the coming months.