The 8-Year Battle: How a Doctor Fought to Protect Public Health from Misleading 'ORS' Labels

In a world where health claims often blur lines, one dedicated pediatrician from Hyderabad, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, has championed an extraordinary cause, culminating in a significant victory for public health. Her relentless eight-year battle against the misleading use of the "ORS" (Oral Rehydration Solution) tag on sugary energy drinks has finally prompted the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to take decisive action, safeguarding countless consumers, especially vulnerable children.

The core of Dr.

Santosh's crusade lay in a critical distinction: real ORS is a precise, life-saving medical formulation of specific sugars, salts, potassium, and citrates, designed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat severe dehydration. It’s a vital tool against diarrhoeal diseases, particularly in young children, preventing potentially fatal fluid loss.

In stark contrast, many so-called "energy drinks" are laden with excessive sugars, caffeine, and an array of other ingredients utterly unsuitable for rehydration. Labeling these commercial beverages with "ORS" created dangerous confusion, leading unsuspecting parents to administer them to dehydrated children, potentially exacerbating their condition rather than alleviating it.

The seed of this epic struggle was sown in 2016 when Dr.

Santosh first encountered an energy drink boldly carrying the "ORS" label. Alarmed by this blatant misrepresentation, she understood the profound public health implications. Her immediate response was to embark on an extensive letter-writing campaign, reaching out to the FSSAI, the Ministry of Health, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Niti Aayog.

She articulated the precise danger: how this mislabeling diluted the life-saving credibility of genuine ORS and put children's lives at risk.

Her initial efforts were met with frustrating bureaucratic inertia, with one key authority even deeming her concerns "not actionable." But Dr. Santosh was not deterred.

Instead, she amplified her voice, leveraging social media and launching public awareness campaigns to educate people about the critical difference. Her persistence garnered crucial support from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), a powerful endorsement that added significant weight to her arguments.

Together, they highlighted how the commercialization of the "ORS" name was not just misleading but actively detrimental, potentially delaying proper medical intervention for dehydration.

After years of relentless advocacy, detailed submissions, and an unwavering commitment to her cause, Dr. Santosh's efforts have borne fruit.

The FSSAI recently issued a draft notification proposing to strictly define "ORS" as a proprietary food intended only for specific medical purposes, effectively banning its use on general food and beverage products like energy drinks. This landmark decision marks a monumental victory, ensuring that the term "ORS" will now be reserved for its rightful, therapeutic application.

This triumph is more than just a regulatory change; it's a profound statement on consumer protection and public health.

Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh's unwavering dedication serves as an inspiring testament to how a single individual, armed with conviction and perseverance, can challenge established norms and bring about a positive, lasting change for the betterment of society, especially for the most vulnerable among us.