Hyderabad Doctor's 8-Year Campaign Leads India To Ban Misleading “ORS” Drinks

A Hyderabad-based paediatrician, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, has won an important victory after eight years of effort. Her campaign against misleading food labels has led the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to stop companies from using the term “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Salts) on drinks that do not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

The FSSAI issued an order on October 14, 2025, saying that no food company can use “ORS” or “Oral Rehydration Salts” on its products unless the formula matches WHO guidelines. It also withdrew earlier permissions given in 2022 and 2024, which had allowed the use of “ORS” with a disclaimer. The next day, the FSSAI released a clarification saying such labeling misleads consumers and violates the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Dr Sivaranjani's campaign

Dr. Sivaranjani started raising this issue almost a decade ago. She noticed that many sugary drinks were being promoted as “ORS,” even though they did not have the correct balance of electrolytes and glucose. In 2022, she filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Telangana High Court, warning that such drinks could harm children and diabetic people.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr Sivaranjani Santosh (@drsivaranjanionline)

The High Court took the issue seriously and asked for replies from the FSSAI and the Drug Controller General of India. FSSAI later issued a temporary restriction in April 2022 but relaxed it after companies challenged it. The new October 2025 order has now made the restriction permanent.

According to WHO standards, a proper ORS must have a fixed amount of glucose and minerals like sodium,potassium, and chloride. Many drinks sold as ORS had too much sugar nearly 120 grams per litre, and much lower levels of these essential salts.

“It was an eight-year battle. This victory belongs to everyone — doctors, advocates, mothers, and influencers who supported me.”

Her journey shows how one person’s persistence can bring real change to protect public health and consumer safety.