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कृपया इसे हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

In a landmark victory for consumer health and safety, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a decisive order, putting an end to a deceptive and dangerous practice that has misled consumers for years. This triumph, however, is not just the result of a bureaucratic decision; it is the culmination of a relentless, eight-year-long battle waged by a single pediatrician from Hyderabad, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh. Her fight, which she describes as an “eight-year war,” has finally led to a ban on the use of the term “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Salts) on beverages and drinks that do not conform to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The Heart of the Matter: Not All That Glitters is ORS

For years, many of us have reached for attractively packaged drinks labeled with “ORS” during times of weakness or dehydration, believing them to be a quick and effective source of rehydration. But as Dr. Santosh discovered, many of these beverages were nothing more than sugary fruit drinks in disguise, containing up to ten times the amount of sugar recommended by the WHO for a true ORS formula. 

What’s the big deal? A genuine ORS is a scientifically formulated life-saving solution with a precise balance of electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) and glucose. This specific formula is designed to effectively combat dehydration caused by conditions like diarrhea, vomiting, or severe heat. However, the high-sugar “fake ORS” drinks were doing the exact opposite. Instead of rehydrating the body, the excess sugar was actually worsening conditions like diarrhea, particularly in children. This is especially alarming in a country like India, where diarrhea is a major cause of death in children under five. 

A Doctor’s Crusade: The Long Road to Victory

The journey to this victory was anything but easy for Dr. Santosh. It was an eight-year-long struggle filled with court cases, battles against corporate pressure, and tireless advocacy on social media. She filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Telangana High Court in 2022, after her initial pleas to regulatory bodies did not yield a permanent solution. In fact, FSSAI had issued an order in July 2022 and another in February 2024, temporarily allowing companies to use the ORS tag as long as they included a disclaimer stating it was “not a WHO-recommended formula”. But as Dr. Santosh rightly argued, most consumers do not read the fine print, and the misleading labels continued to pose a public health risk. 

Finally, on October 15, 2025, the FSSAI issued a new, unambiguous order, withdrawing all previous permissions and completely banning the use of the “ORS” tag on any product that is not a WHO-approved formula. In a video she shared on social media, a tearful and emotional Dr. Santosh expressed her overwhelming joy and relief, calling the decision a victory for the people—for the doctors, lawyers, mothers, and citizens who supported her cause. It was a poignant and powerful moment, a testament to the fact that one person’s perseverance can indeed change the world.

A New Dawn for Consumer Health

Thanks to this new FSSAI directive, all food and beverage products must now remove the ORS tag from their labels, trademarks, and advertisements. This means that when you now pick up a product labeled “ORS,” you can be confident that it is the genuine, life-saving formula recommended by the WHO.

This story is not just about a regulatory change; it is about the power of a single individual to fight for what is right and to protect the health of millions. It’s a reminder to all of us to be vigilant consumers, to question what we are sold, and to never underestimate the impact that one voice can have. This is a win for every parent, every child, and every person who has ever reached for a bottle of ORS in a time of need, and a shining example of how a long and arduous fight can lead to a brighter, healthier future for all.

Social Message: In a world dominated by powerful corporations and clever marketing, this story is a powerful reminder that truth and persistence can triumph. It’s a victory for every consumer who deserves to know what they are buying, and a tribute to the spirit of one individual who refused to give up on her mission to protect public health. This is a call to action for all of us to be more aware, more questioning, and more vocal about what is right.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available in the public domain and has been written to the best of the author’s knowledge and abilities. The details of the FSSAI’s orders and the events described are based on media reports and the video provided. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the reader is advised to consult official sources for the most up-to-date and precise information.