A life-saving solution is being sold as a gimmick across India, and the FSSAI has finally drawn the line.
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), a simple mixture of sugar, salt, and clean water that prevents dehydration from diarrhoea, vomiting, or heat, is being misrepresented in flavoured drinks and “ORS substitutes”.
Doctors warn that using the wrong formula could render it completely ineffective — even deadly for children.
Now, the regulator has issued a zero-tolerance warning: no misleading ORS products can be sold — only WHO-approved formulas are allowed.
1. Fake ORS is a Hidden Danger
Many drinks labelled as ORS lack glucose, the very ingredient that helps the body absorb water and salt.
Without it, the “solution” doesn’t work, leaving children vulnerable to severe dehydration.
As Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, a pediatrician campaigning against these products, puts it:
"We have won the battle. They cannot sell them anymore."
2. Why ORS Works — And Why Fakes Don’t
The WHO formula is deceptively simple:
6 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 litre of clean water
Any deviation — extra sugar, salt, fruit powders, or herbal additives — breaks the science of hydration, making the product ineffective or dangerous.
3. FSSAI Cracks Down
This is not the first warning. In April 2022, FSSAI already targeted misleading advertisements claiming products were ORS substitutes.
Now, it’s strict enforcement: brands cannot label or sell products as ORS unless WHO-approved.
The crackdown is aimed at saving lives, ensuring consumers don’t mistake flavoured drinks for medical hydration therapy.
4. How to Spot Genuine ORS
Experts advise consumers to:
Check the formula: Only WHO-recommended sugar and salt levels.
Avoid substitutes: Sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit cannot replace glucose.
Ignore extras: Herbal powders, spirulina, or fruit flavours are not part of ORS.
Use approved sachets: Pre-measured WHO-approved sachets from pharmacies are safe.
Follow certified medical advice, not influencers or social media trends.
5. Flavoured Drinks Can Kill
What may seem convenient or tasty is not a medical solution.
Parents trying to save time or money could unknowingly put their children’s lives at risk.
Doctors emphasize: double-check before every dose — lives depend on it.
6. A victory for Science, a Warning for Brands
FSSAI’s stern warning is a wake-up call to companies: profit cannot come at the cost of children’s health.
It’s a triumph of science over marketing gimmicks, but vigilance from parents and caregivers remains essential.
⚖️ DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. ORS usage should follow medical guidelines and WHO-approved formulas. Always consult a certified doctor or pharmacist before administering ORS or any rehydration solution.
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