India’s food safety authority has launched a strict nationwide clampdown on beverages falsely marketed as Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), citing serious concerns over consumer safety and deceptive branding practices. The move targets fruit drinks, electrolyte beverages and energy drinks that misuse the medically regulated “ORS” label without meeting essential formulation standards.
According to the regulator, several products contain excessive sugar, added flavours and non-therapeutic compositions that could mislead consumers into believing they offer clinical rehydration benefits. True ORS must follow a precise WHO-standard ratio of glucose and vital salts—any deviation risks worsening dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as children during diarrhoeal illness.
Manufacturers, retailers and e-commerce platforms have been ordered to immediately withdraw non-compliant items. Enforcement teams will conduct inspections to ensure only genuine ORS solutions remain available. The authority stressed that misbranding not only violates food safety norms but also poses a significant public health risk by creating confusion at the point of purchase.
