Fri Oct 24 04:30:00 UTC 2025: ## NEWS ARTICLE:

Victory for Public Health: India Bans Misleading ‘ORS’ Labels After Years-Long Fight

Hyderabad, October 24, 2025: In a significant win for public health, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a landmark order banning the use of the term ‘ORS’ (Oral Rehydration Solution) on any beverage that does not adhere to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) strict medical formula. This decision, effective October 15, 2025, aims to prevent the misleading marketing of sugary drinks as life-saving ORS products.

The move follows an eight-year battle spearheaded by Hyderabad-based pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh. Dr. Sivaranjani raised concerns about the sale of products labeled as ORS that contained dangerously high levels of sugar and deviated significantly from the WHO-recommended formula. The WHO recommends an ORS with a specific balance of electrolytes and glucose to effectively combat dehydration caused by illnesses like diarrhea. Some products on the market contained as much as 120 grams of sugar per liter, far exceeding the medically recommended levels.

Dr. Sivaranjani initially brought the issue to the attention of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), FSSAI, and the Ministry of Health in 2021. While FSSAI briefly prohibited the use of the ORS label in 2022, they later reversed the decision, allowing companies to use the label with a disclaimer. Dr. Sivaranjani continued her advocacy, filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and leveraging social media to garner support from organizations like the Endocrine Society of India and the Women Pediatricians Forum.

The FSSAI’s recent decision finally puts an end to the deceptive practice, ensuring that consumers can trust that products labeled as ORS meet the necessary medical standards for effective rehydration. This victory underscores the importance of diligent monitoring of food and beverage labeling and the power of individual advocacy in protecting public health. Experts believe this action will significantly reduce the risk of complications arising from improperly formulated ORS products, particularly for vulnerable populations like children.

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