GNC controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Calls for investigation of GNC stores on military installations
Representative Pat Harrigan called for a federal investigation into GNC's presence on U.S. military bases, citing Harbin ownership and alleged issues involving federal filings. The referenced material records the allegation and request for investigation, not a final adjudication.
2020
Political and national-security objections to Harbin acquisition
The proposed and completed acquisition by Harbin Pharmaceutical Group prompted objections concerning customer data, Chinese state ownership links and national security. Senator Marco Rubio asked for CFIUS review during the bankruptcy-era transaction.
2017
Blocked Super Bowl advertisement dispute
GNC threatened to sue Fox after its Super Bowl LI advertisement was rejected because of restrictions associated with NFL and NFL Players Association concerns about banned substances. The dispute became a prominent public-relations and advertising controversy.
2016
Department of Justice settlement over supplement controls
GNC agreed to pay $2.25 million to the U.S. government and improve its product-screening process after federal concerns about supplements containing undisclosed drug ingredients, harmful compounds or inaccurate labeling.
2015
New York supplement-labeling investigation
Laboratory testing commissioned by the New York attorney general raised questions about the accuracy of ingredient claims on supplements sold by GNC and other major retailers. GNC removed some products while working with regulators.
2015
Oregon lawsuit over picamilon and BMPEA
The Oregon attorney general sued GNC, alleging that the retailer knowingly sold products containing picamilon and BMPEA, ingredients that regulators considered impermissible in dietary supplements.
2004
Follow-on franchise litigation
A later report described another lawsuit involving similar franchisee concerns about pricing, operating requirements and fees imposed by GNC.
2003
Franchise-owner lawsuit over pricing and fees
A group of franchise owners sued GNC, alleging that corporate stores could sell products at prices unavailable to franchisees and that franchisees were charged significant fees for resets, signage and store-image changes.
1998
Franchisee allegations over store control practices
GNC franchisees accused the company of using pricing and operational practices to force franchise stores out of business and then retake them into corporate control. The referenced material describes allegations and litigation, without establishing that every allegation was proven.