New Delhi: In a major crackdown on misleading marketing practices, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all State and Union Territory food safety departments to immediately remove fruit-based drinks, electrolyte beverages, and ready-to-serve products falsely labeled as “ORS” from physical and online marketplaces.
The directive, issued on November 19, came after authorities found multiple food and beverage companies continuing to misuse the term “ORS” in brand names and product descriptions, despite earlier warnings.
WHO-Approved ORS Is a Drug, Not a Beverage
FSSAI clarified that only WHO-approved Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) formulations—used to manage dehydration due to diarrhea or other medical conditions—fall under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. These products are categorized as essential therapeutic drugs, not food or beverages.
The regulator emphasized that several commercial drinks advertised as “ORS-based,” “Electrolyte-ORS,” or “Fruit-ORS” neither meet the strict composition standards of WHO-recommended ORS nor provide medically reliable rehydration benefits.
States Ordered to Launch Inspection Drives
To address the growing violation, FSSAI has instructed all Designated Officers and field teams to conduct urgent inspections across:
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E-commerce platforms
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Pharmacies and chemist shops
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Supermarkets and kirana stores
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Modern retail chains
Officials must identify non-compliant products, ensure their immediate removal from sale, and take regulatory action against concerned food businesses (FBOs). Retailers and online platforms have also been directed to delist these misleading products without delay.
Authorities have been asked to submit Action Taken Reports detailing the number of inspections, violations found, and actions implemented.
Genuine ORS Products Must Not Be Targeted
FSSAI also warned officials against mistakenly seizing or disrupting legitimate WHO-approved ORS products, which are classified as drugs and do not fall under FSSAI’s food regulations.
Field officers must exercise “due diligence” to avoid interfering with medically approved ORS sachets and solutions available at pharmacies and hospitals.
Rising Misuse and Public Health Risks
Health experts say misuse of the ORS term has increased rapidly, especially in digitally marketed hydration drinks and flavored beverages. These products often contain high sugar content and lack the required electrolyte balance, posing risks when consumed as medical alternatives.
Consumers may falsely assume these beverages offer clinically certified hydration, leading to delayed medical treatment and health complications.
Aimed at Protecting Consumers and Regulatory Integrity
By tightening enforcement, FSSAI aims to restore public trust and ensure that the term “ORS” remains exclusively associated with scientifically validated rehydration solutions.
