FSSAI Bans ‘ORS’ Label on Food Products

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited the use of the term ‘ORS’ (Oral Rehydration Solution) on food product labels and advertisements, citing it as misleading to consumers . The directive mandates immediate compliance by all food business operators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 .

Key Points:

• Prohibition: ‘ORS’ cannot be used alone or with any prefixes/suffixes on food products.

• Previous permissions revoked: Earlier allowances from July 2022 and February 2024 permitting ORS labeling with disclaimers have been withdrawn.

• Reason: Using ‘ORS’ on food products misleads consumers and constitutes misbranding , punishable under the FSSAI Act.

About FSSAI:
FSSAI, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare , regulates food safety, sets product standards, and ensures the manufacture, storage, and sale of safe food in India.

About ORS:
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a medically formulated solution recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea , containing a precise balance of salts and sugars for effective water absorption.