On 15-10-2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (‘FSSAI’) issued an order that decisively prohibits the use of the term Oral Rehydration Salts (‘ORS’) in the branding, labelling, or naming of food products.
The Deception:
On 14-10-2025, FSSAI withdrew its earlier notifications that had permitted food business operators to use the term “ORS” in product names, provided they included a disclaimer stating:
“The product is NOT an ORS formula as recommended by WHO.”
However, on 15-10-2025, after further review, FSSAI concluded that use of term ‘ORS’ in product names is misleading to consumers whether used standalone term or combined with prefixes or suffixes, is:
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Deceptive and ambiguous
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Erroneous in label declarations
The Violations:
The inclusion of the term “ORS” is in contravention of multiple provisions under food safety laws:
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Labelling and Display Regulations, 2020:
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Sub-regulations 4(3) and 5(1)
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Advertising & Claims Regulations, 2018:
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Sub-regulations 4(1) and 4(13)
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Violations of food safety laws are subject to penalties under Sections 52 and 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Directions:
FSSAI has directed all food business operators to:
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Remove the term “ORS” from product names, trademarks, and labels.
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Ensure strict compliance with all labelling and advertising norms.
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Note that the Direction dated 8-4-2022 regarding misleading advertisements of ORS substitutes remains in effect.
FSSAI’s move reinforces its commitment to consumer protection and truthful labelling. By eliminating misleading terminology, the authority aims to ensure that food products are marketed transparently and in accordance with scientific standards.