NAPM backs Dr Sivaranjani, seeks nationwide ban on misbranded ORS
HYDERABAD: The National Health Rights Forum (Rashtriya Swasthya Adhikar Morcha), a pan-Indian initiative of the National Alliance of People’s Movements, has demanded strict enforcement of the ban on misbranded Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) products and expressed solidarity with Hyderabad-based paediatrician Dr Sivaranjani Santosh for raising concerns over alleged violations of public health norms.
In a statement issued on May 13, 2026, the forum said several products marketed as “ORS” or “ORS-like” drinks continue to be stocked and sold despite restrictions imposed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and upheld by the Delhi High Court in 2025.
The organisation alleged that several electrolyte and energy drinks marketed as hydration products do not comply with the formulation standards prescribed by the World Health Organization. It said such products could pose health risks, particularly to children, pregnant women and elderly people.
Demand for stricter branding norms
The forum said products using “ORS” terminology without complying with WHO standards should be permanently barred from pharmacies. It added that merely altering brand names or spellings was insufficient to prevent public confusion.
Referring to the transition from “ORSL” to “ERZL”, the forum alleged that the new branding closely resembled the earlier label and continued to create an impression of association with medically approved ORS products.
It urged authorities to ensure that food-grade electrolyte beverages use entirely distinct names, colours and packaging designs from therapeutic ORS products licensed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.
The forum also opposed the co-stocking of food beverages and medical products in pharmacies, stating that such practices blur the distinction between drugs and beverages.
Concerns over sucralose in hydration drinks
The statement raised concerns over the inclusion of sucralose in hydration beverages marketed for children. It cited ongoing research into the long-term effects of the artificial sweetener and said some medical practitioners have warned about possible links to gut inflammation, insulin resistance and digestive complications in children.
The forum said products containing sucralose should be used with caution, especially for children below two years of age.
Chronology traces legal and regulatory battle
According to the forum, complaints regarding allegedly misleading ORS-labelled products intensified after Dr Sivaranjani Santosh observed worsening dehydration symptoms among children consuming certain electrolyte drinks sold through pharmacies.
The statement said she approached the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and later the FSSAI over the issue. In April 2022, the FSSAI issued a circular cautioning against the misuse of “ORS” branding for fruit-based or electrolyte beverages.
Dr Sivaranjani later filed a public interest litigation in the Telangana High Court in August 2022, alleging that high-sugar electrolyte beverages marketed as ORS could worsen dehydration.
The forum noted that the FSSAI imposed a complete ban in October 2025 on products using “ORS” terminology unless they complied with WHO formulations. The Delhi High Court subsequently upheld the regulator’s action in separate orders passed in October and November 2025.
Support for Hyderabad doctor
The organisation praised Dr Sivaranjani Santosh for consistently raising awareness on the issue and condemned what it described as threats of defamation and harassment against her.
“We strongly condemn the threats of defamation and harassment she is being subjected to, and call upon authorities to uphold her right to raise awareness as a public health professional,” the statement said.
The forum also appealed to the Centre, state governments, local authorities and international agencies, including WHO and UNICEF, to spread awareness about authentic WHO-compliant ORS products and ensure strict enforcement of the ban across India.
