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FSSAI Crackdown: Why Misleading 'ORS' Drinks Pose Serious Health Risks

The FSSAI has taken strong action against beverages falsely using ORS labels in their branding. This crackdown targets products sold both online and in physical stores that violate previous orders. The Delhi High Court has backed this decision, emphasizing that public health must come before commercial interests. Enforcement teams will now conduct inspections and remove non-compliant products while protecting genuine ORS medications.

Key Points: FSSAI Orders Removal of Misleading ORS Labelled Food Products

  • FSSAI targets fruit-based drinks and energy beverages misusing ORS labels
  • Enforcement teams to inspect e-commerce platforms and retail stores nationwide
  • Delhi High Court supports FSSAI decision prioritizing public health over commerce
  • Companies violating orders face regulatory action and product removal
  • WHO-approved ORS drug products remain protected from interference
  • Dr. Reddy's Laboratories challenged the ban but court upheld FSSAI authority
3 min read

FSSAI orders removal of food products misleadingly labelled 'ORS' from retail, e-comm platforms

FSSAI directs immediate removal of beverages falsely using ORS labels from retail and e-commerce platforms to protect public health from misleading products.

"Counterfeit or misleading ORS-labelled products pose a serious risk to public health - Delhi High Court Bench"

New Delhi, November 20

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an order on Wednesday directing the immediate removal of fruit-based beverages, ready-to-serve drinks, energy drinks, electrolyte drinks and similar products that use the term "ORS" in their brand names or product names.

FSSAI stated that these products are being sold in retail stores and on e-commerce platforms, even though earlier orders had already withdrawn permission to use the term "ORS" for such drinks.

FSSAI referred to its previous orders from October 14 and the clarification issued on October 15, which said that no food product, whether fruit-based, non-carbonated or ready-to-drink, can use the term "ORS" in the trademarked name or in any form, including as a prefix or suffix. Using the term in this way violates the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Despite these directions, FSSAI noted that many such products continue to be sold under names that include "ORS".

To stop this, FSSAI has instructed officers to carry out immediate inspections on e-commerce platforms and retail outlets to identify food products that violate the orders by using the term "ORS". If found, these products must be removed from sale, and regulatory action must be taken against the companies involved. Officers must also send a detailed action taken report to FSSAI, listing inspections, violations, and the status of product removal.

The authority instructed all officers to make sure there is no interference in the storage, distribution or sale of WHO-recommended ORS drug products.

Enforcement activities must only target non-compliant food products that are falsely using the term "ORS".

Earlier on October 31, the Delhi High Court said it would not interfere with the decision of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) prohibiting the use of the term "ORS" on beverages, observing that counterfeit or misleading ORS-labelled products pose a serious risk to public health.

The Bench noted that public health must take precedence over commercial considerations and clarified that a detailed judgment will follow.

The observation was made while hearing a petition filed by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, which had challenged the FSSAI's notification barring the manufacture and sale of drinks bearing the expression "ORS" (Oral Rehydration Solution) in their brand names or trademarks.

The FSSAI had earlier stated that the term "ORS " can only be used for formulations meeting World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for oral rehydration solutions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As a doctor, I fully support this decision. ORS is a medical term and shouldn't be diluted by commercial products. During summer months, people need to know what's genuine ORS and what's just a sugary drink.
A
Arjun K
I bought one of these "ORS energy drinks" thinking it would help with dehydration after workout. It was just sugar water with fancy packaging. Companies should be fined heavily for such misleading practices.
S
Sarah B
While I agree with the intent, I hope FSSAI also focuses on proper implementation. Often these orders are issued but products remain available in smaller towns and local stores for months.
V
Vikram M
Public health should always come before profits. The Delhi High Court was absolutely right in their observation. These companies were playing with people's health for commercial gains. Shameful! 😠
M
Michael C
Good regulatory action. In countries with strong consumer protection, such misleading labeling would have been caught much earlier. Hope this sets a precedent for other misleading health claims in food products.
K
Kavya N
I'm glad they're protecting WHO-recommended ORS. During my child's diarrhea episode last month, the doctor specifically warned us about these fake ORS drinks. This action will save many from making the same mistake.

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