Not everything is ORS! Victory For Dr Sivaranjani Santosh As FSSAI Bans ORS Label on Sugary Beverages

The FSSAI has revoked its previous directives on the use of 'ORS' in product names following advocacy by Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh. This ensures that only products meeting WHO guidelines can use the term, enhancing consumer safety and preventing misleading marketing practices.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has retracted previous directives concerning the use of the term "ORS" in product names. This decision follows persistent advocacy by Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh against the misuse of sugary drinks marketed as ORS. The FSSAI now prohibits brands from using "ORS" as a prefix or suffix in their product names.

Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh challenged companies selling sugary beverages under the guise of ORS. According to WHO guidelines, ORS should have an osmolarity of 245 milliosmoles per litre and a glucose content of 1.35 grams per 100 ml. Excess glucose can worsen diarrhoea by drawing water into the gut, Dr. Sivaranjani explained.

FSSAI's Clarification on ORS Labelling

The FSSAI issued a clarification stating that using "ORS" in any food product's trademarked name or otherwise is a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This applies to fruit-based, non-carbonated, or ready-to-drink beverages, even if accompanied by prefixes or suffixes.

The FSSAI emphasized that such practices mislead consumers with false and deceptive labels, violating sections 23 and 24 of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Consequently, orders from July 14, 2022, and February 2, 2024, have been revoked immediately.

Impact on Misleading Marketing Practices

The directive under section 16(5) regarding misleading advertisements for ORS substitute products dated April 8, 2022, remains effective. This ensures that only products adhering to WHO's recommended formula can be labelled as ORS.

Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh expressed satisfaction with the outcome: "We have won it! A clarification was issued today! No one can use ORS on their label unless it is a WHO recommended formula and no one can sell it right from today!" Her efforts highlight the importance of accurate labelling for consumer safety.