FSSAI Bans ‘ORS’ Term on Food Labels and Advertisements
Why in the news
On 21 October 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the use of the term ORS on food product labels and advertisements.
Key facts
- The ban covers ORS used alone or combined with any prefix or suffix.
- FSSAI said such usage misleads consumers and amounts to misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- The order withdrew earlier permissions of July 2022 and February 2024, which had allowed ORS labelling with disclaimers.
- Food business operators must remove the term immediately from products and marketing material.
About ORS and FSSAI
- ORS means Oral Rehydration Solution, a medically formulated mix of salts and sugars used to prevent and treat dehydration, especially from diarrhoea.
- The World Health Organization endorses ORS for managing dehydration in adults and children.
- FSSAI works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and oversees food manufacture, storage, distribution and import to protect consumers.
Exam angle
- The statute behind it is the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- FSSAI is under the Health Ministry.
- Expect questions on what ORS stands for and which body issued the order.