Hyderabad paediatrician flags concerns over electrolyte drink branding, files petition
HYDERABAD: A city-based paediatrician has renewed her appeal to parents to support a petition raising concerns over the branding and marketing of a commercially available ERZL electrolyte drink. She warned that it could create confusion during dehydration management in children.
Dr Sivaranjani clarified that her concern is not about the product’s safety alone. Instead, she pointed to how consumers perceive and interpret its branding, especially in stressful situations.
Branding may influence quick decisions
Dr Sivaranjani said people often make quick choices in pharmacy settings, especially during emergencies. They tend to rely on familiar names, colours, and visual cues.
She explained that such branding could lead parents to associate the drink with Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), which doctors recommend for treating dehydration.
She added that references to similar products in advertisements may strengthen this association. As a result, consumers may confuse medically approved ORS with commercial electrolyte drinks.
Risk of confusion in dehydration treatment
According to the doctor, this confusion may prompt parents to use the drink as a substitute for ORS. This could affect proper treatment outcomes in children.
She stressed that ORS has a specific medical formulation designed to treat dehydration effectively. In contrast, electrolyte beverages may not serve the same purpose.
Concerns over ingredients and prolonged use
Dr Sivaranjani also raised concerns about certain ingredients in the drink, including artificial sweeteners. She said prolonged use of such products in children needs careful consideration.
She emphasised the need for clearer communication so parents understand the intended use of these beverages and avoid misuse.
Legal notice and petition demands
Dr Sivaranjani said Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue sent her a legal notice after she raised these concerns.
However, she maintained that the petition aims to improve clarity in healthcare communication, not create conflict.
Through the petition, she has urged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to take action. She called for clearer product differentiation, stricter branding regulations, and stronger enforcement at pharmacies.
