In a strong move to protect public health, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all State and Union Territory Commissioners of Food Safety to immediately remove certain electrolyte drinks, energy drinks, fruit-based beverages, and ready-to-serve drinks that misleadingly use the term “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Solution) in their branding or product names. This includes any use of “ORS” as a standalone word, with prefixes (e.g., “Rehydr-ORS”), suffixes (e.g., “ORS-Lite”), or as part of a composite term.
The directive, issued on November 19, 2025, emphasizes that these products – often sugary and not aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) standards – deceive consumers into believing they offer the same therapeutic benefits as genuine ORS, which is a life-saving formulation for treating dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or heatstroke.
Leave a comment