The Ministry said regulatory intervention was necessary to prevent consumer deception and ensure adherence to food safety standards.
Published Dec 20, 2025 | 10:59 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 20, 2025 | 10:59 AM
ORS vs ORSL. (Wikimedia Commons)
Synopsis: The Centre has issued 75 regulatory notices to food business operators for misleadingly using the term “ORS” on beverages that do not meet prescribed standards. Acting through FSSAI, the Health Ministry ordered removal of such labels, directed State authorities to act against violators, and said enforcement will continue to curb consumer deception.
Centre has issued 75 regulatory notices to food business operators across the country for misleadingly using the term ‘Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)’ on beverages that do not meet prescribed standards, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed Parliament.
“As on 11.12.2025, a total of 75 notices, including improvement notices, suspension orders and show-cause notices, have been issued to such defaulting Food Business Operators,” the Ministry stated in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
The action has been taken through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as part of a nationwide enforcement drive.
The issue relates to the widespread distribution and sale of drinks labelled or branded as ‘ORS’ despite not conforming to the World Health Organization’s standards for oral rehydration solutions.
According to the Ministry, such use of the term ‘ORS’ on non-carbonated water-based beverages, fruit-based beverages and ready-to-serve drinks amounts to misleading labelling and unfair trade practice.
Regulatory intervention was necessary to prevent consumer deception and ensure adherence to food safety standards, the Ministry informed.
The Ministry noted that FSSAI, in exercise of its regulatory oversight, has issued directions to all Food Business Operators for the immediate removal of brand names or product names containing the term “Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)” where the products do not meet the required standards.
These directions require removal of such names from all distribution channels, including e-commerce platforms, the Ministry stated.
Further, the Ministry informed that on 14 October 2025, FSSAI issued directions to enforcement authorities in all States and Union Territories, including Commissioners of Food Safety and Central Licensing Authorities, to initiate regulatory action against violators in accordance with the law.
The Ministry also highlighted that the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 imposes restrictions on unfair trade practices, including misleading advertisements and claims.
In addition, the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 have been notified to ensure that food-related advertisements and claims are accurate, non-deceptive and aligned with food safety standards.
“It is the responsibility of the food business to adhere to these requirements, and any contravention may lead to appropriate action under the Act and relevant regulations,” the Ministry noted.
Health Ministry said enforcement action has already been initiated against defaulting Food Business Operators across various States and Union Territories.
The issuance of notices, including improvement notices, suspension orders and show-cause notices, reflects the Government’s ongoing efforts to curb misleading use of health-related terms and strengthen consumer protection.
The Government added that regulatory action will continue in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and rules made thereunder.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
