A battle for truth, a triumph for child health – India’s ORS victory

A battle for truth, a triumph for child health – India’s ORS victory

Abihotry Bhardwaz

For nearly a decade, one woman stood up for a truth that should have been obvious – a drink labelled “ORS” must actually save lives, not sell lies.

After eight long years of persistence, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a paediatrician who refused to stay silent, has achieved what many called impossible – getting the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to regulate the misuse of the term “ORS” on beverage labels.

This isn’t just a regulatory win. It’s a victory for every parent who has ever rushed to buy an ORS for their sick child, trusting the label with their heart.

The FSSAI’s new directive now bans all drinks and products from using the word “ORS” unless they strictly meet the World Health Organization (WHO)-approved formula for Oral Rehydration Solution – a precise medical mixture of glucose and electrolytes designed to save lives during dehydration or diarrhoea.

For years, colourful, sugary drinks claiming to be “ORS” flooded store shelves. Many parents unknowingly bought them, believing they were giving their children something life-saving – when in reality, these drinks could worsen dehydration.

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Now, with this landmark move, only genuine, WHO-approved ORS formulations can carry the label.

“ORS” isn’t just another health drink. It’s a scientifically proven therapy that has saved millions of lives across the world – especially children battling diarrhoea.

When fake or misleading drinks take its name, trust breaks down and children pay the price.

This new rule restores that trust. It ensures that when a parent reaches for an ORS packet, they are truly holding a medically approved, life-saving formula – not a sugary imitation.

Only WHO-approved formulas can use the word “ORS” on their label or trademark.

Products that don’t comply must remove the term “ORS”, or clearly state:

“This product is NOT an ORS formula as recommended by WHO.”

Non-compliance may attract penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This clarity ensures that consumers are no longer misled, and every child receives the right treatment in time.

Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh’s eight-year fight began when she noticed misleading “ORS”-labelled drinks being marketed to parents. Her relentless efforts – writing, campaigning, raising awareness – finally reached the attention of India’s top food regulator. Her advocacy didn’t just change a policy; it changed how India protects its children.

It’s a story of science, persistence, and compassion coming together for public good. This directive is only the beginning. For the impact to last: Enforcement at retail and e-commerce levels must be strict. Manufacturers need to recheck formulations and branding.

Consumers must learn to read labels – understanding that not every “hydration” or “electrolyte” drink equals an ORS. Most importantly, awareness must continue – because a well-informed parent is the best protection a child can have.

India’s move sets a global example in responsible food labelling.

It shows that when doctors, regulators, and citizens unite, even commercial giants must put public health before profit.

As Dr. Santosh’s story reminds us – sometimes, change begins not in a courtroom or a conference hall, but in a clinic, where a doctor simply refuses to watch another child fall sick because of a lie on a label.

With this directive, India has drawn a clear line – medical terms are not for marketing.

This change safeguards millions of children, restores trust in true ORS therapy, and honours the tireless spirit of those who fight quietly for what’s right. Because at the heart of this victory lies one simple truth – every child deserves real care, not clever packaging.

Abihotry Bhardwaz, M.Sc 3rd semester, Electronics and Communication, Gauhati University.

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