The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed states to immediately remove fruit-based beverages, energy drinks, and electrolyte products falsely branded as “ORS” from shop shelves and e-commerce platforms. The regulator emphasized that only WHO-recommended Oral Rehydration Solutions can be marketed under the ORS label.
In a decisive regulatory move, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered state food safety commissioners to conduct inspections and remove all misleading ORS-labelled drinks from retail outlets and online platforms. The directive, issued on November 19, 2025, comes after repeated violations despite earlier warnings.
FSSAI clarified that fruit juices, ready-to-serve beverages, and electrolyte drinks cannot use “ORS” in their brand names or descriptions. The misuse of the term poses a serious health risk, as these sugary drinks may worsen dehydration instead of treating it. Only WHO-prescribed formulations qualify as genuine ORS.
The regulator has also asked states to initiate verification drives and take strict action against non-compliant manufacturers. This crackdown is part of FSSAI’s broader effort to protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices and ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Key Highlights / Major Takeaways:
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Directive Date: November 19, 2025
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Action: Remove misleading ORS-labelled drinks from shops and e-commerce platforms
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Reason: Misbranding violates FSSAI rules and risks consumer health
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Scope: Fruit-based, ready-to-serve, energy, and electrolyte drinks
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Compliance: Only WHO-recommended ORS formulations allowed
This move underscores FSSAI’s commitment to consumer safety and regulatory enforcement, ensuring that the ORS label is reserved strictly for medically approved formulations.
Sources: Indian Express, News18, The Hindu Business Line, WION, Firstpost