Modern Warrior issued a voluntary recall of all lots of its "Modern Warrior Ready" dietary supplement on Dec. 22, 2025, after FDA testing identified the presence of undeclared ingredients that pose potential health risks to consumers.
The Phoenix, Arizona-based company initiated the recall after regulatory testing revealed three undeclared substances in the product: tianeptine, 1,4-DMAA, and aniracetam. The supplement was sold directly to consumers through the company's distribution channels.
Tianeptine, one of the key substances identified in the testing, has not been approved by the FDA for use in dietary supplements. The compound has raised particular concern among regulators due to its potential for abuse and serious health consequences. Federal agencies have increasingly scrutinized products containing tianeptine as reports of adverse effects have mounted.
The presence of 1,4-DMAA (1,4-dimethylamylamine) in the supplement represents another significant regulatory violation. This synthetic stimulant has been banned by the FDA in dietary supplements since 2013 due to safety concerns. The agency has linked 1,4-DMAA to serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes, particularly when combined with caffeine or used during physical exercise.
Aniracetam, the third undeclared ingredient identified in Modern Warrior Ready, belongs to a class of compounds called racetams. While sometimes marketed as cognitive enhancers, aniracetam has not received FDA approval for use in dietary supplements sold in the United States. The compound's inclusion in the product without proper declaration violates federal labeling requirements that mandate full ingredient disclosure.
The recall affects all lots of Modern Warrior Ready regardless of manufacturing date or batch number. Consumers who purchased the product are advised to discontinue use immediately and contact the company for information about returns or refunds. The company has not disclosed how many units of the product were distributed or the geographic scope of sales.
FDA regulations require dietary supplement manufacturers to accurately label all ingredients and ensure products do not contain unapproved drug substances. The inclusion of undeclared pharmaceutical compounds in supplements represents a serious violation of federal food and drug laws. Companies that market adulterated supplements face potential enforcement actions including product seizures, injunctions, and criminal prosecutions.
The discovery of these undeclared ingredients follows a broader pattern of regulatory concerns about supplement industry practices. FDA testing has repeatedly identified unapproved drug substances in products marketed as natural dietary supplements, particularly those promoted for athletic performance, weight loss, and cognitive enhancement.
Modern Warrior's voluntary recall demonstrates the importance of post-market surveillance and testing programs that help identify problem products after they reach consumers. The company's cooperation with regulatory authorities may influence how the FDA responds to the violations, though the agency retains discretion to pursue additional enforcement measures.
Consumers who experience adverse effects after using Modern Warrior Ready should seek medical attention and report their experiences to the FDA's MedWatch program. Healthcare providers are encouraged to ask patients about supplement use when evaluating unexplained symptoms, particularly those involving cardiovascular or neurological effects.
The supplement industry has faced increasing scrutiny over undeclared ingredients and misleading marketing claims. Industry advocates emphasize that most manufacturers comply with regulations, but enforcement actions like this recall highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring product safety and accurate labeling.
Regulatory experts note that dietary supplements operate under a different legal framework than prescription drugs, with manufacturers bearing primary responsibility for ensuring safety before products reach market. However, the inclusion of pharmaceutical compounds in products marketed as supplements blurs these regulatory distinctions and can create serious health risks for unsuspecting consumers.
The Modern Warrior recall serves as a reminder for consumers to research supplement manufacturers, verify ingredient lists, and consult healthcare providers before using products that make performance or health claims. The incident also underscores the ongoing need for robust regulatory oversight of an industry that generates billions in annual sales while operating with less stringent pre-market safety requirements than traditional pharmaceuticals.