In a significant victory for consumer protection, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a decisive order directing all food businesses to immediately cease using the term ‘ORS’ (Oral Rehydration Solution) in their product labeling and advertising. This move, prompted by the persistent efforts of Hyderabad-based pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, aims to prevent misleading consumers and ensure the integrity of food safety regulations.
The FSSAI’s directive, dated October 14, explicitly states that the use of ‘ORS’ in product names, whether as a standalone term or with prefixes or suffixes, violates the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. This new order supersedes previous directives from July 2022 and February 2024, which had allowed the use of ‘ORS’ with a disclaimer. The regulator found these practices to be deceptive and in contravention of the Act, classifying such labeling as misbranded and punishable.
Dr. Santosh’s Unwavering Campaign
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh’s dedication has been instrumental in this outcome. She has spent eight years tirelessly advocating against the misleading marketing of sugary drinks as ORS. Dr. Santosh highlighted how these products, by incorrectly using the ORS label, not only deceived the public but also exacerbated conditions like diarrhea, potentially leading to severe health consequences.
“It’s a huge relief,” Dr. Santosh stated, emphasizing the potential to save lives by preventing the worsening of diarrheal conditions due to these misleadingly labeled drinks. She referred to ORS as a vital ‘wonder drug’ for rehydration and lamented that companies had been exploiting its reputation for years with deceptive labeling and unethical marketing practices. She also pointed out the alarming statistic that 13% of children under five in India die from diarrhea, underscoring the critical need to prevent further harm from such misrepresentations.
Dr. Santosh faced considerable personal pressure and opposition throughout her eight-year fight, even going against her family’s initial wishes. Her unwavering commitment stemmed from a deep-seated belief that this was a cause she was ‘meant to do.’ Her public interest litigation against both companies and government authorities ultimately paved the way for this crucial regulatory change.
FSSAI’s Directive and Its Impact
The FSSAI’s new order mandates the removal of ‘ORS’ from all food product names, including those with trademarks. This directive is crucial for ensuring that consumers can trust product labels and make informed health choices, especially concerning products intended for rehydration during illnesses like diarrhea.