HEMA SINGULURI | Hyderabad

Despite repeated enforcement orders, mislabeled “ORS” drinks continue to flood the market, posing serious risks to families who may mistake them for medical-grade oral rehydration solutions. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently issued fresh directions to all states, insisting on the immediate removal of fruit-based beverages, electrolyte drinks and energy drinks that misuse the term “ORS” or mislead consumers into believing they are therapeutic oral rehydration salts.

FSSAI reiterated that “ORS” is a strictly regulated medical formulation based on WHO-recommended electrolyte and glucose composition, intended for dehydration caused by diarrhoea, vomiting, or heat-related illness. It is not a casual hydration product. The regulator instructed states to inspect retail stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and online platforms, identify violators, remove offending products, and file action-taken reports. Enforcement teams were also cautioned not to interfere with genuine ORS medicines sold in pharmacies, as these are essential medical products. However, despite earlier bans, misleading ORS-labelled drinks continue to appear on shelves and e-commerce platforms.

Senior pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who has led an eight-year campaign against sugary, misleading hydration drinks, said she personally verified that several mislabelled products remain available online and in stores. “I have screenshots from Tirupati, Guwahati, LB Nagar, near Metro Pillar A1670, Aditya Pharmacy Miyapur and other locations where these supposed ORS drinks are still being sold,” she said. She noted that some offices are even selling these drinks like soft beverages to clear old stock. “This is criminal deception. It is not a simple labelling mistake but a deliberate misuse of public trust.”

Dr. Sivaranjani added that many products—such as “Electro Choice” and “Himalaya Rehydrate”—closely resemble ORS branding, misleading buyers who cannot distinguish between medical ORS and commercial drinks. “After parents became aware of fake ORS, companies pushed similar-looking alternatives. This is absolute disregard for the law.” She warned that people who do not use social media or follow news continue to consume ORS casually, unaware of its medical purpose. She also cautioned that several “no sugar” or milk-based drinks endorsed by celebrities are equally misleading.

Manufacturers, she said, often tweak labels slightly—changing ORSL to DRSL, for example—so that products appear legally safe while still confusing consumers. “Enforcement alone cannot solve this. The government must lead with strong public awareness on what real hydration means.” Experts advise checking for WHO-recommended labels, proper electrolyte listings in mg/mmol and avoiding products listing only high sugar or carbohydrates.