Hyderabad Paediatrician Criticizes FSSAI’s Stay on High-Sugar ORS

Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a paediatrician based in Hyderabad, has vocally condemned the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for permitting the disposal of high-sugar “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Solution) stocks. She described this decision as a “national shame” in a recent video posted on X. Dr. Santosh emphasized the discrepancy between how such issues are handled in other countries, stating that in the United States, a company would face severe legal repercussions for similar practices.

The controversy centers around JNTL, the Indian subsidiary of Kenvue, which is a spin-off of Johnson & Johnson. Following an advisory issued on October 14, 2025, which prohibited non-medical drinks from using the label “ORS,” the FSSAI granted consent for JNTL to dispose of its stock of sweetened ORS beverages. Dr. Santosh criticized this move, questioning how such a decision could be made while prioritizing public health.

In her video, she urged authorities to enforce regulations that would restrict sales of ORS to only those formulations recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). She expressed concern over misleading marketing practices that have allowed high-sugar beverages to be sold under the ORS label, which she argues misleads consumers and endangers children’s health.

Dr. Santosh’s comments come in the wake of growing public debate regarding the health beverage market in India. Many influencers and health advocates have rallied against the FSSAI’s decision, arguing that it undermines efforts to protect children from misleading products. For years, companies have marketed drinks as ORS despite their significant deviations from WHO-recommended formulations, with some containing up to ten times more sugar than medically approved solutions.

The health implications are severe, particularly as diarrhea remains a leading cause of death among Indian children under five, accounting for 13 out of every 100 deaths in this age group. WHO guidelines specify that an appropriate ORS must contain precise amounts of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, and dextrose, which work together to replenish fluids and electrolytes effectively. By contrast, many commercial products labeled as ORS have been found to include more than 120 grams of sugar per litre, making them akin to sugary soft drinks rather than effective medical solutions.

On October 14, 2025, the FSSAI issued a landmark advisory that prohibits any food or beverage company from using the term “ORS” unless it complies with medical standards. The advisory stated that the use of “ORS” for non-medical beverages misleads consumers and violates the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This decision was initially welcomed by Dr. Santosh, who shared a heartfelt video expressing relief that steps were being taken to safeguard child health.

Nevertheless, she now insists that further actions are necessary. “Except for WHO-recommended formula ORS, no sachet or tetrapack should be allowed in pharmacies, hospitals, or schools,” she stated. The ongoing issue raises questions about the enforcement of health regulations in India, particularly concerning products that could endanger vulnerable populations.

As the debate continues, the FSSAI’s decision to grant a stay for the disposal of JNTL’s stock raises significant concerns regarding child health and safety. Dr. Santosh’s passionate advocacy highlights the urgent need for stringent regulations to ensure that only safe and effective rehydration solutions are marketed to the public. This situation calls for accountability and transparency in the health beverage sector to protect the well-being of children across India.