FSSAI orders nationwide removal of juices, electrolyte-drinks sold as 'ORS'
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered the immediate removal of fruit-based drinks, ready-to-serve beverages, electrolyte drinks, and similar products that are falsely marketed as "ORS" (Oral Rehydration Salts). The directive was issued on November 19 after the regulator observed that several non-compliant beverages were still being sold in retail outlets and online platforms despite earlier warnings.
FSSAI's crackdown on misleading marketing practices
The FSSAI's action comes after its October 2025 directives that prohibited food companies from using "ORS" as a standalone word or in conjunction with any product that does not conform to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended ORS formulation. WHO-compliant ORS products are classified under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 as drugs, not foods.
FSSAI identifies non-compliant products in retail and online markets
In its latest order, the FSSAI said it has observed several fruit-based beverages, energy drinks, and electrolyte drinks are still being sold as "ORS" or "ORS-based" on e-commerce platforms, in grocery stores, at chemists, and in modern retail chains. This naming violates the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 since these drinks do not conform to the WHO-recommended ORS composition for dehydration management during diarrheal diseases.
FSSAI directs enforcement officers to remove misleading products
To tackle this issue, the FSSAI has directed all Designated Officers and field officials to conduct immediate inspection drives across online marketplaces and physical stores. The officials are required to identify noncompliant products and ensure their immediate removal from sale. Regulatory action must also be initiated against concerned food business operators (FBOs). Authorities have been asked to submit a comprehensive Action Taken Report detailing inspections conducted, violations detected, and corrective steps implemented.
FSSAI clarifies scope of enforcement action
The FSSAI has also clarified that some field officers had wrongly taken enforcement action against legitimate WHO-recommended ORS (drug) products. These products, it said, are notified as drugs and lie outside FSSAI's regulatory purview. The October orders apply only to food and beverage products misusing the ORS terminology, not actual ORS (drug) sachets approved under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Field officers have been advised to exercise "due diligence" during inspections to avoid disrupting genuine ORS products.