A Hyderabad-based paediatrician, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who played a key role in tightening regulations around the misuse of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) labelling, is now facing legal notices from pharmaceutical and beverage companies affected by the reforms.
🧑⚕️ Background: An 8-year public health fight
Dr. Santosh led a long campaign highlighting how several companies were marketing sugary drinks and flavored beverages as “ORS,” even though they did not meet medical standards. True ORS must follow strict guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for treating dehydration, especially in children suffering from diarrhoea.
She documented cases where children’s conditions worsened because parents unknowingly used these misleading products instead of genuine ORS.
⚖️ Regulatory breakthrough
After years of advocacy and legal efforts, India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), issued a landmark order in October 2025:
Banned the use of the term “ORS” on any product that does not meet WHO standards
Ordered companies to withdraw misleading labels and branding
Revoked earlier permissions that allowed such terms even with disclaimers
This was seen as a major victory for child health and consumer protection.
⚠️ Why companies are pushing back
The new rules directly impacted several companies that had built brands around “ORS-like” drinks. These products, often high in sugar, were popular in the market but did not qualify as medical rehydration solutions.
As a result:
Some firms have reportedly sent legal notices to Dr. Santosh
The pushback is aimed at challenging her activism and the regulatory changes
Industry players argue that the ban affects their branding and business interests
🚨 Ongoing concerns
Despite the ban, enforcement remains a challenge:
Mislabelled “ORS” drinks are still being sold in some pharmacies and online platforms
Experts warn that such products can worsen dehydration instead of treating it
Dr. Santosh has emphasized that the fight is not over, calling for stricter implementation and monitoring.
🧾 Why this matters
ORS is a life-saving medical formulation, not just a beverage
Misleading labels can lead to serious health risks, especially for children
The case highlights the tension between public health advocacy and corporate interests