The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed State and Union Territory Food Safety Authorities to immediately remove from sale all fruit-based beverages, ready-to-serve drinks, energy drinks, electrolyte beverages, and similar products marketed using the term ORS in their brand or product names.
Earlier Warnings Ignored
In its regulatory order dated November 19, FSSAI noted that several manufacturers continue to sell products labelled as “ORS,” despite earlier directives issued on October 14 and 15 prohibiting the use of the term in any form. The authority emphasised that using ORS violates the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, because the term refers exclusively to WHO-recommended Oral Rehydration Salts, which are classified as drug products.
Campaign Against Misleading Products
The October directives followed an eight-year effort by Hyderabad-based paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who has consistently raised concerns about companies selling sugar-rich beverages disguised as ORS formulations.
Misleading Beverages Still on Shelves and Online
FSSAI pointed out that such products remain widely available in grocery stores, modern retail outlets, and major e-commerce platforms. As a result, consumers may mistake these beverages for legitimate ORS used to manage dehydration.
Inspection Drives Initiated Nationwide
Therefore, FSSAI has directed Designated Officers and Field Officers to carry out immediate verification and inspection drives across physical stores and online marketplaces. Officials must identify non-compliant products using the term ORS, ensure their swift removal, and initiate regulatory action against the responsible food business operators. Authorities must also submit a detailed Action Taken Report documenting inspections, violations found, corrective measures, and product withdrawals.
Clarification on Genuine ORS Products
As reported by The Hindu, the order also highlighted instances where Food Safety Officers acted against authentic WHO-recommended ORS products. FSSAI clarified that its earlier directions targeted only misleading food and beverage products. They do not regulate or restrict legitimate ORS, which is governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The authority reaffirmed that WHO-recommended ORS is a drug product and must not be subjected to sampling, seizure, or enforcement actions meant for food items.