Archive · 27 Oct 2025
Pediatrician Champions ORS Standards After Fight
Some companies were selling sugary drinks that looked like special medicine called ORS, which helps people when they're sick.
A doctor named Dr. Santosh fought to stop this because the drinks weren't good for kids and could make them sicker.
The government said these drinks can't be called ORS anymore.
Even though the government made this rule, the doctor is worried because some of the companies are still selling them, and the court is still reviewing it.
The doctor wants everyone to make sure these drinks aren't available, to keep kids safe and healthy, because high-sugar drinks do not help with dehydration.
FSSAI ordered that ORS labels must meet WHO standards.
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh fought for 8 years to enforce standards.
The doctor is pushing for immediate implementation.
A Delhi High Court stay complicates the enforcement.
High sugar content worsens dehydration in children.
- Who
- Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a Hyderabad-based pediatrician.
- What
- Implementation of FSSAI's order to restrict the use of the term 'ORS' to products meeting WHO standards.
- When
- Ongoing, with focus on implementation of the FSSAI order from October 15, 2024.
- Where
- India, specifically in pharmacies, hospitals, and schools.
- Why
- To protect children from high-sugar drinks falsely marketed as ORS, which can worsen dehydration.
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh's View
Industry (Implied)
Enforcement of Ban
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh's View
Immediate and strict enforcement of the FSSAI order is needed to protect children.
Industry (Implied)
Companies that produce these drinks may want to continue selling their product, thus the Delhi High Court stay.
- Issue
- Misleadingly labeled high-sugar drinks marketed as ORS
- Key Figure
- Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh
- Regulatory Body
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- WHO Standard
- ORS must adhere to specific electrolyte and sugar levels
- Court Involvement
- Delhi High Court granted a stay to a company on FSSAI's order
