The Woman Behind India’s ORS Label Ban: Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh’s Fight for Truth

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Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh led an eight-year campaign to ban misleading sugary drinks falsely labeled as “ORS,” culminating in FSSAI’s 2025 directive protecting children from harmful substitutes. Her advocacy has been hailed as a public health victory, emphasizing genuine WHO-approved ORS use for treating dehydration.

Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a Hyderabad-based pediatrician, has emerged as a healthcare crusader after successfully campaigning against misleadingly labelled “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Solution) drinks, culminating in a landmark ban by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Her passionate fight over the past eight years has protected millions of children from potentially harmful sugary drinks falsely marketed as ORS.

Key Highlights:

The Issue: Brightly packaged drinks labeled “ORS” like ORSL, Rebalance, and others flooded pharmacies, often endorsed by celebrities. However, these drinks contained dangerously high sugar levels—up to ten times more than approved ORS formulas—rendering them ineffective or even harmful for dehydrated children.

Health Risks: Genuine ORS, recommended by WHO, is a lifesaver against dehydration from diarrhea, containing carefully balanced electrolytes and minimal glucose. Sugary imitations worsened dehydration, causing many preventable hospitalizations and fatalities.

Relentless Advocacy: Disturbed by these misrepresentations, Dr. Sivaranjani launched a tireless campaign using social media to educate parents and collaborated with medical forums. Despite initial bureaucratic hurdles and a temporary rollback by FSSAI, she persisted with a Public Interest Litigation in Telangana High Court.

Legal Victory: On October 14, 2025, following her sustained efforts and public pressure, the FSSAI reinstated a firm ban prohibiting the use of “ORS” on any non-WHO approved drink labels to curb further consumer deception.

Public Impact: Dr. Sivaranjani calls this success a “people’s victory,” emphasizing the protection of vulnerable children and urging vigilance among parents and health workers to ensure only genuine WHO-approved ORS sachets are used.

Ongoing Mission: Beyond labeling, she advocates broad public awareness campaigns and clear instructions on ORS preparation and consumption, especially in rural and low-literacy areas.

Call to Action: She urges authorities to monitor and enforce compliance strictly, and celebrities to avoid endorsing dubious products.

Human Story: Dr. Sivaranjani’s fight not only reflects medical diligence but also a compassionate stand for child health rights and public safety.

Looking Ahead: Committed to further health education initiatives, including first aid and CPR training, Dr. Sivaranjani embodies the modern doctor-activist's role in societal welfare.

Her enduring campaign has curbed a silent threat, ensuring that ‘ORS’ remains a genuine, life-saving solution.

Sources: India Today, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Republic World

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! Read Here About the FSSAI Directive for the Removal of the Term “ORS”