FSSAI Bans Use of ‘ORS’ Term on Food Products in Nationwide Crackdown.

FSSAI Bans ‘ORS’ Term on Food Products in Nationwide Crackdown on Misleading Labels

• FSSAI’s Nationwide Directive on Misleading ORS Labels

• Crackdown on Misleading Health Claims and Food Labels

• Broader Impact on Consumer Protection and Truthful Labelling

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially banned the use of the term ‘ORS’ on all food and beverage labels. This crackdown prevents misleading health claims, distinguishing food from pharmaceutical products. State authorities must enforce compliance, ensuring consumers are not confused between nutritional and essential medical solutions.

The nationwide order mandates food manufacturers to immediately remove the term to prevent misleading health claims. FSSAI clarified that “ORS” — Oral Rehydration Solution — is a pharmaceutical formulation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, not a food product under the FSS Act, 2006. The move marks a major step toward protecting consumers from deceptive marketing and ensuring truthful labeling in India’s growing wellness food market.

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Sprouts News Special Investigation Team reveals a critical regulatory shift. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated the removal of the term ‘ORS’ from all food and beverage products. This decisive action targets misleading marketing practices across the country.

A recent official circular was issued to all State Commissioners. Central Licensing Authorities and Regional Directors also received the directive. It instructs immediate compliance from all Food Business Operators (FBOs). The term ‘ORS’ is strictly reserved for pharmaceutical formulations.

Its use on food product labels is unauthorized and misleading. FSSAI emphasizes this distinction is crucial for consumer safety. ORS is governed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Food products fall under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

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Crackdown on Misleading Health Claims and Labels

State and UT authorities are now tasked with market surveillance. They must monitor shelves and review product packaging extensively. The directive demands immediate rectification of non-compliant labels. All advertising materials must also purge the term ‘ORS’.

Enforcement action will proceed under the FSSAI’s 2018 Claims Regulations. Violators will face penalties as per the law. The regulator states this move protects consumer interests. It prevents confusion between nutritional supplements and essential medicines.

“Using ORS on food misleads consumers about therapeutic properties,” the circular clarified. This maintains a clear line between food and drug regulations. Several packaged electrolyte drinks currently use ‘ORS-type’ claims. This practice potentially confuses consumers seeking WHO-formulated solutions.

Global Standards and Consumer Protection

The World Health Organisation’s ORS is a specific clinical mixture. It manages dehydration from diarrhea or heat exhaustion. FSSAI’s order reiterates that food cannot make therapeutic claims. This is unless permitted under the 2016 Health Supplements regulations.

Manufacturers must review all labels and digital promotions now. Products like ‘hydration ORS drink’ will face regulatory action. Marketed items require immediate relabelling or withdrawal. This aligns with FSSAI’s broader truth-in-labelling campaign.

The authority has intensified scrutiny on exaggerated advertising. This latest directive reinforces consumer protection fundamentals. It ensures transparency and trust within the packaged food sector. Sprouts News will monitor the enforcement outcomes closely.