ORS Controversy: FSSAI Bans Mislabeling of Sugary Drinks as Oral Rehydration Salts
FSSAI clamps down on misleading ORS labeling after Dr Sivaranjani Santosh’s campaign highlights sugar-rich drinks falsely marketed as ORS.
ORS Controversy: FSSAI Issues Strict Ban on Mislabeling Commercial Beverages as Oral Rehydration Salts Following Dr Sivaranjani Santosh’s Campaign
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a landmark directive to prevent the misuse of the term ‘Oral Rehydration Salts’ or ‘ORS’ on products that do not meet World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. This regulatory shift is the culmination of years of advocacy and awareness efforts, largely led by Hyderabad-based pediatrician Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, who fought to stop companies from labeling sugary drinks as ORS. Her persistent campaign emphasized the health risks of misrepresented beverages, especially for children and people with diabetes.
On October 14, 2025, FSSAI officially issued an order stating that no food product can be marketed as ‘ORS’ unless it strictly adheres to WHO-recommended formulations. The directive also revoked all previous permissions that allowed the use of the term under disclaimers. Earlier orders dated July 14, 2022, and February 2, 2024, had permitted companies to use ‘ORS’ with a statement clarifying that the product did not meet WHO standards, but these permissions have now been completely withdrawn.
Dr Santosh expressed her emotions in a video shared on Instagram, celebrating the FSSAI’s decision. In her post, she thanked regulators, government officials, and supporters for standing by her cause. Social media users praised her unwavering determination, calling her a true hero and recognizing her role in protecting public health. Many highlighted the importance of questioning misleading product claims and ensuring ethical practices in the food and beverage industry.
The legal battle began in 2022 when Dr Santosh filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Telangana High Court. She challenged companies that marketed sweetened fruit juices and other beverages as ORS without following WHO standards. The PIL highlighted that these drinks often contained excessive sugar and inconsistent electrolyte compositions, posing serious health risks to consumers. The case eventually garnered the attention of the Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Rajesh Bhushan, which prompted further regulatory review.
Initially, the court intervention led FSSAI to issue a directive on April 8, 2022, restricting the use of ‘ORS’ in product names and advertisements. However, several companies challenged the restriction through writ petitions, and in July 2022, FSSAI temporarily allowed the continued use of ‘ORS’ for registered products until the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks could finalize the ruling. The recent October 2025 order now removes any ambiguity and enforces strict compliance.
WHO guidelines specify that a proper ORS solution must have a total osmolarity of 245 mOsm/L, containing 2.6 grams of sodium chloride, 1.5 grams of potassium chloride, 2.9 grams of sodium citrate, and 13.5 grams of dextrose per litre of water. Many commercial beverages claiming to be ORS, however, contain sugar levels as high as 120 grams per litre, with around 110 grams coming from added sugar. Their electrolyte concentrations often fall well below the recommended amounts, with inconsistencies such as 1.17 grams of sodium, 0.79 grams of potassium, and 1.47 grams of chloride per litre, rendering them ineffective for rehydration and potentially harmful.
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The FSSAI’s decisive move is being hailed as a major victory for consumer protection and public health. Dr Santosh’s relentless eight-year campaign demonstrates the power of sustained advocacy and legal action in holding companies accountable. Her efforts ensure that only beverages meeting WHO standards can bear the ORS label, safeguarding consumers from misleading claims and promoting informed choices in the marketplace.
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