Hyderabad: A city-based paediatrician has launched an online petition raising concerns over the misleading branding of electrolyte drinks that resemble Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), warning that such practices could pose risks to public health, especially for children.
According to reports, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh initiated the petition titled “Clear Communication for Electrolyte Drinks: Protect Consumers in Pharmacies”, urging stricter regulations by authorities such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Union Health Ministry.
Concern Over Confusing Branding
The petition highlights how some commercially available drinks are marketed with names and packaging similar to ORS—such as “ORSL”—which can mislead consumers into believing they are medically approved rehydration solutions.
Doctors warn that this confusion is particularly dangerous during medical emergencies like dehydration, when parents rely on familiar labels and quick decisions. Using such drinks instead of proper ORS could lead to inadequate treatment and worsen health conditions.
Not About Safety, But Presentation
Dr. Santosh clarified that the issue is not necessarily about the safety of these beverages, but about how they are presented and perceived by consumers. Misleading branding, she argues, blurs the line between therapeutic products and commercial drinks, undermining public health awareness.
Wider Medical Concerns
Medical experts, including the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, have repeatedly cautioned that electrolyte drinks are not substitutes for ORS, which follows a specific formulation recommended globally for treating dehydration.
Many of these drinks contain higher sugar levels and lack the correct balance of salts required for effective rehydration, making them unsuitable for medical use, especially in children.
Background and Controversy
The issue has been at the centre of a long-standing debate. The FSSAI had earlier restricted the use of the term “ORS” for products that do not meet World Health Organization standards.
Dr. Santosh has been actively campaigning on this issue for years and recently resigned from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, citing lack of institutional support after facing legal pressure from companies.
Call for Regulatory Action
The petition calls for:
- Clear and strict labeling norms
- Better consumer awareness
- Strong enforcement against misleading branding
Bigger Picture
The development highlights a growing concern over consumer protection and ethical marketing in healthcare-related products. Experts say that clearer communication and stricter regulation are essential to ensure that life-saving treatments like ORS are not confused with commercial beverages.
The petition is expected to add momentum to ongoing discussions around food safety, public health, and responsible branding practices in India.
