Why are ORSL packets still being sold? Ball now in FSSAI’s court, Dr Sivaranjani Santosh

In this interview with South First, paediatrician Dr Sivaranjani Santosh raises serious concerns over the continued sale of misleadingly labelled “ORS” drinks after the Delhi High Court’s interim order of 17 October 2025.

The court had given JNTL Consumer Health (India) — the Indian arm of Kenvue, a spin-off from Johnson & Johnson — one week to make its representation before FSSAI. The regulator was directed to decide the matter in accordance with the law and after giving the company a hearing.

Today, more than a week later, Dr Sivaranjani questions: “Will these misleading drinks — falsely marketed as ORS — continue to be sold online and offline, endangering children’s lives?”

She cites alarming reports from doctors across India who have treated children pushed into critical condition after consuming these high-sugar drinks masquerading as medical ORS.

Calling them “ticking time bombs” for malnourished children, she appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Minister JP Nadda to ensure strict implementation of FSSAI’s 14 and 15 October orders — banning all non-compliant ORS-labelled products.