FSSAI bans use of ‘ORS’ on food and beverage labels

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the use of the word “ORS” on any food or beverage product label, including as part of a brand name or trademark. The regulator said such use violates the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and may mislead consumers.

In its latest order, FSSAI directed all food business operators to remove the word “ORS” from their products, whether used as a standalone word or with any prefix, suffix or trademark. The regulator said such labeling and naming practices are “false, misleading, vague and misleading” to consumers.

The order also withdraws two earlier directives issued in July 2022 and February 2024, which had allowed companies to use “ORS” in brand names provided they make a declaration stating that the product is “not a WHO recommended ORS formula.” Those exemptions have now been canceled with immediate effect.

FSSAI clarified that the use of “ORS” in the naming of fruit-based, non-carbonated, or ready-to-drink beverages will not be allowed under any circumstances. The authority has asked companies to ensure strict compliance with labeling and advertising rules under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

This development follows a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Hyderabad-based pediatrician Dr Shivaranjani Santosh in the Telangana High Court in 2022. The petition challenged the sale of drinks labeled “ORS” that did not meet the composition recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). She has been fighting the battle for almost eight years, raising the issue by writing letters directly to Health Minister JP Nadda and the Prime Minister.

According to WHO, oral rehydration solution (ORS) must contain precise concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, citrate and glucose to effectively treat dehydration caused by diarrhea. Many tetra pack drinks sold in pharmacies as ORS or electrolyte beverages reportedly do not meet these standards.

Responding to CNBC-TV18, Cipla Health spokesperson said its Prolite ORS product is a WHO recommended oral rehydration solution and welcomed the FSSAI decision, saying it will help in bringing more transparency in the market.

At Cipla Health, we are committed to supporting the everyday wellness solutions of our consumers by addressing their needs. Our leading brand Prolite ORS, which is a WHO recommended oral rehydration solution, is a unique ORS offering that provides rehydration without compromising on taste through our 10 unique flavours.” It added that as the second largest players in the category, we welcome the recent FSSAI guidelines which will help in bringing more transparency in the market. and ensure that safe and effective rehydration formulations are available.

FSSAI first issued directions in April 2022 against misleading advertisements and marketing of “ORS Option” products. The latest order strengthens those measures by banning the use of the term “ORS” on all food and beverage products that do not meet WHO-recommended formulation standards.