Victory for Health: FSSAI Bans ORS on Food Labels After Hyderabad Doctor's Eight-Year Crusade

In a significant win for public health, India's food safety regulator, FSSAI, has officially prohibited the use of 'ORS' (Oral Rehydration Solution) on labels of food products. This landmark decision is the culmination of an arduous eight-year battle spearheaded by Dr. Rama Krishna, a dedicated paediatrician from Hyderabad.

His persistent advocacy highlights a critical distinction between life-saving medical products and everyday food items.

Dr. Krishna's crusade began when he observed a disturbing trend: commercial food and beverage companies were leveraging the widely recognized and trusted term 'ORS' on their packaging, often for products that were essentially sugary drinks or snacks.

He argued that this practice was not only misleading to consumers but also dangerously diluted the crucial medical significance of genuine Oral Rehydration Solutions, which are specifically formulated to combat dehydration caused by illnesses like diarrhoea.

True ORS, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a precise blend of electrolytes and glucose designed to rapidly rehydrate sick individuals.

Misappropriating the term for energy drinks, biscuits, or other processed foods could lead parents and caregivers to mistakenly believe they were providing medical relief, potentially delaying proper treatment for dehydration, especially in children.

Over the years, Dr. Krishna relentlessly petitioned the FSSAI, presenting scientific evidence and making a compelling case for regulatory intervention.

His efforts involved numerous letters, follow-ups, and engagement with medical bodies and consumer advocacy groups. The paediatrician's unwavering commitment to patient safety and public awareness ultimately resonated with the authorities.

The FSSAI's new directive mandates that food product manufacturers immediately cease using the term 'ORS' on their packaging and in their marketing.

This move is a powerful step towards ensuring clarity for consumers and safeguarding the integrity of essential medical terminology. It reinforces the principle that while food provides nutrition, medical interventions require specific, regulated solutions.

This triumph is not just a personal victory for Dr.

Rama Krishna but a collective win for millions of Indian consumers, particularly parents. It ensures that when they reach for an 'ORS', they are getting a genuine, medically approved solution for dehydration, free from the confusion of commercial branding. The incident serves as a testament to how the sustained efforts of an individual can bring about profound, positive changes in public health policy.