The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered all food business operators to immediately discontinue the use of the term ‘ORS’ (Oral Rehydration Solution) in product labels, brand names, and advertisements, citing that it misleads consumers.
In a directive issued on October 14, the regulator clarified that using the word “ORS” whether as a standalone term, part of a trademark, or combined with any prefix or suffix violates the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
This latest decision withdraws FSSAI’s previous orders from July 2022 and February 2024, which had temporarily allowed the use of “ORS” on food products if accompanied by a disclaimer stating that “the product is not an ORS formula as recommended by WHO.”
Following a review, FSSAI found that such practices could mislead consumers by creating “false, deceptive, or ambiguous” impressions about the product, and therefore contravene the Act. The authority has declared that products using the term “ORS” will now be considered misbranded and misleading, making them liable for penal action under the law.
The order instructs companies to remove ‘ORS’ from all food labels and marketing materials, regardless of how it is used, and to strictly comply with all labelling and advertising regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
FSSAI also noted that its April 8, 2022 directive concerning misleading advertising and marketing of ORS substitute products remains in force.
