A Landmark Victory for Child Health
In a major step towards protecting child health and ensuring consumer safety, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited the use of the term “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Solution or Salts) on any product that does not strictly adhere to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s approved formulation.
This decision marks the success of an eight-year-long campaign by Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a Hyderabad-based paediatrician, who fought tirelessly against misleading and potentially harmful products being sold under the “ORS” label.
The Problem with Misleading ‘ORS’ Drinks
True ORS is a life-saving medical formula made from precise proportions of salts, glucose (dextrose), and water, designed to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea and other illnesses.
However, several beverage brands had been marketing sugary drinks and fruit-based beverages with names like “Electro-ORS” or “Glucose-ORS”, falsely presenting them as medical-grade solutions.
Some of these drinks contained up to ten times more sugar than WHO’s recommended levels and imbalanced electrolytes, which could worsen dehydration, especially in children and diabetic patients.
These misleading products, often sold in pharmacies and supermarkets, created confusion among parents and consumers, putting countless children at risk.
Dr. Sivaranjani S antosh’s Eight-Year Battle
Dr. Santosh’s fight began when she noticed that several children in her clinic were falling seriously ill—or even dying—after being given these high-sugar drinks during diarrhoea treatment.
Determined to end this public health hazard, she launched a campaign that included:
Writing to regulatory bodies such as CDSCO and FSSAI beginning in 2021.
Filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Telangana High Court in 2024.
Running an extensive awareness campaign on social media with support from doctors, parents, and public health advocates.
Despite initial setbacks, including an FSSAI order that temporarily allowed disclaimers on product labels, Dr. Santosh continued to argue that disclaimers were ineffective and unread by most consumers.
FSSAI’s Landmark Order (October 14, 2025)
On October 14, 2025, the FSSAI issued a decisive order withdrawing all earlier permissions and prohibiting any product from using the term “ORS” unless it strictly meets the WHO’s official formula.
The authority stated that even with disclaimers, using the term “ORS” on non-compliant products is “false, deceptive, ambiguous, and erroneous”, violating the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
All Food Business Operators (FBOs) are now directed to remove the term “ORS” from product names, labels, advertisements, and marketing materials.
What This Means for Consumers and Brands
For Consumers:
Always purchase ORS products clearly labelled as “WHO-recommended formula”.
Be cautious of “hydration” or “electrolyte” drinks that don’t specify WHO composition.
Buy only from trusted pharmacies and check the label carefully.
For Brands:
Manufacturers must reformulate or rebrand their existing products immediately.
Non-compliance could attract penalties and legal action under FSSAI regulations.
Although one company has received a temporary stay to sell existing stock, the FSSAI’s directive sends a clear message: public health comes before marketing.
A Victory for the People
Calling the decision a “victory for the people,” Dr. Santosh expressed her gratitude to FSSAI and urged authorities to ensure strict implementation across all states.
Her determination over eight long years shows how a single doctor’s commitment can create nationwide reform, safeguarding children and restoring consumer trust in India’s food safety system.
