FSSAI Bars Food Brands from Using ‘ORS’

A Hyderabad paediatrician’s persistent campaign against sugary drinks falsely marketed as oral rehydration solutions (ORS) has led to a major policy shift. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the use of the term “ORS” on food and beverage labels unless the formulation strictly follows World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

Earlier Permissions Withdrawn

On October 14, FSSAI directed all food operators to immediately remove the term “ORS” from product names, labels, and trademarks. The order nullifies previous permissions issued in July 2022 and February 2024, which had allowed its use with a disclaimer noting the product was not an ORS formula as recommended by WHO. A clarification issued on October 15 reaffirmed that using “ORS” on fruit-based, non-carbonated, or ready-to-drink beverages violates the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and constitutes misleading labelling.

Legal Effort Behind the Ban

The decision stems from years of advocacy by paediatrician Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, who began questioning deceptive ORS claims nearly a decade ago. In 2022, she filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Telangana High Court, highlighting how several companies marketed sweetened beverages as ORS despite not meeting WHO-recommended electrolyte and glucose standards. Her petition drew attention to the health risks such products pose, especially to children and people with diabetes, prompting the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and regulatory authorities to act.

Judicial and Regulatory Response

The Telangana High Court, led by the Chief Justice, sought responses from FSSAI and the Drug Controller General of India. Following this, FSSAI issued an initial restriction on ORS labelling in April 2022, later allowing temporary relaxation pending trademark-related decisions. The latest order now enforces a complete ban.

WHO Standards and Misleading Formulations

According to WHO, a standard oral rehydration solution should have a total osmolarity of 245 mOsm/L, with specific quantities of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, and glucose. In contrast, several so-called ORS drinks available in the market contain excessive sugar — up to 120 grams per litre — and inadequate electrolyte levels, making them nutritionally inconsistent with WHO norms.

A Milestone for Consumer Protection

FSSAI’s latest directive marks the culmination of an eight-year campaign led by Dr Sivaranjani and supported by public health advocates. It reinforces the regulator’s commitment to preventing misleading health claims and protecting consumer safety.

Source: The Hindu