FSSAI Bans Misleading Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) Labels

• 28 Oct 2025
• 276 Views

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) has been one of the simplest yet most powerful medical treatments for decades. It’s a simple blend of salts, sugar and water that has saved millions of lives around the world. When used properly, it prevents dehydration quite effectively, especially among children who are affected by diarrhoea or vomiting.

For the past few years, this life-saving remedy had been drawing attention for troubling reasons. Several companies have begun misusing the term “ORS” to market sugary beverages under the same name and sparked serious concerns about consumer safety and public health.

To stop this unethical practice, on 14 October 2025, FSSAI finally imposed a ban on misleading ORS labels. The authority had issued a directive where it stated that no food or beverage product may use the term ORS or any variation unless it meets the required medical grade formulation.

On 17 October 2025, the Delhi High Court granted interim relief to JNTL Consumer Health India. This company is an Indian subsidiary of Kenvue (owned by Johnson & Johnson). The court temporarily suspended the orders issued by FSSAI against the company and also instructed the regulator to conduct a formal hearing and review JNTL’s representation before there's an enforcement of a ban.

While the company was permitted to sell its existing stock, it was prohibited from producing any new variants of the drink. The court emphasized that FSSAI’s directives would remain on hold until a final decision was made after due hearing. This resulted in pause of the ban for JNTL Consumer Health, although it continued to apply to other manufacturers.

The order drew criticism from medical professionals and public health experts. Dr. Santosh and other advocates called for consumers to boycott such products to safeguard children’s health. Critics warned that allowing the sale of Rs. 155 to Rs. 180 crore worth of non-compliant items would lead to consumer confusion and health risks. It would leave misleading ORS-labelled drinks on pharmacy shelves. This was the very issue that the FSSAI ban aimed to address.

On 23 October 2025, a clarification was released by FSSAI to counter misinformation on social media. It said that it had not authorized the sale or disposal of Oral Rehydration Solution with Lactate (ORSL). The authority confirmed that the ban remained effective, subject to court proceedings. However, it was reported by the consumers as well as health activists that ORSL and other similar beverages were still being sold in retail pharmacies across cities.

Some pharmacists said they were waiting for instructions from their distributors before taking off the misleading ORS drinks from their shelves, and some mentioned that they had to clear their existing stock. It is essential to conduct campaigns to educate consumers regarding the ban and also guide them on how they can properly prepare their very own ORS drink using oral rehydration salts.

Source: 

• Vision IAS

• Times of India

• Financial Express