Hyderabad doctor’s campaign leads to ORS label ban

After eight years of persistent efforts, Hyderabad-based pediatrician Dr. Shivaranjani Santosh has achieved a major victory in consumer safety. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to all states and union territories, instructing food safety commissioners and licensing authorities to ensure that the term “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Solution) is removed from all sugary drink products.

Dr. Santosh expressed immense satisfaction over the directive, calling it a significant step toward protecting public health. She explained that some private companies were misleading consumers by labeling sweetened drinks as “ORS,” creating the false impression that these beverages could prevent or treat dehydration caused by diarrhea. In reality, these drinks could worsen dehydration and endanger children and adults alike.

“ORS is a life-saving formulation intended to prevent dehydration and save lives - it’s a 20th-century medical breakthrough,” Dr. Santosh said. “But for over 14 years, some companies have misused the ORS label to boost profits through unethical marketing and deceptive labeling. This practice has been widespread, even in pharmacies, hospitals, and schools.”

She highlighted the serious consequences of such misleading labeling. In India, diarrhea is a leading cause of death among children under five, and giving sugary drinks labeled as ORS could worsen dehydration instead of helping children recover.

Dr. Santosh shared the personal challenges she faced in her campaign, including opposition from companies, bureaucratic hurdles, and even her own family. “Despite the pressure and risk, I continued this fight because it was my mission,” she said. Her relentless advocacy ultimately led FSSAI to take decisive action.

Under the new directive, FSSAI clarified that the term “ORS” cannot be used in the names, branding, or marketing of fruit-based, non-carbonated, or ready-to-drink beverages - even if the product is trademarked or paired with a disclaimer. Previously, companies could use ORS in product names if a warning indicated that the drink did not contain the WHO-recommended ORS formula. Following a review, FSSAI now considers any such use in marketing or labeling of sugary drinks a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

FSSAI has instructed all authorities to strictly enforce labeling and advertising standards under the Act to prevent misleading claims.