365telugu.com online news, Hyderabad October 18th,2025: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive mandating all food business operators including those dealing with fruit-based, non-carbonated, and ready-to-drink beverages to stop the use of the term ‘ORS’ (Oral Rehydration Solution) in their labelling, advertisements, and brand names.
In an official communication dated October 14 and 15, the FSSAI clarified that the inclusion of “ORS” in trademarked names or in any product packs, even with added prefixes or suffixes, is not as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
This action is intended to mitigate any potential consumer confusion and enhance clarity about ORS, which is a drug product for the treatment of diarrhoea while electrolyte fruit based beverages which can be safely consumed during ‘non-diarrhoeal’ dehydration.
Despite the FSSAI’s specific & clear intentions, misinformation has circulated among retailers and distributors about the legal & regulatory status of fruit-based, non-carbonated, and ready-to-drink beverages, along with scientifically formulated products like ORSL and others.
Reports suggested that these products stand ‘banned’ immediately; however, this is not the case.
On the contrary, FSSAI directions dated 08.04.2022 revived vide FSSAI Order dated 15.10.2025 clearly stipulate that any labelling changes will be governed through ‘Improvement Notices’ as per the provisions of FSS Act, 2006 by the concerned Designated Officers.
In addition to this, on October 17, the Honorable Delhi High Court also stayed the enforcement of the FSSAI’s orders against Kenvue and its ORSL brand.
As a result, in the light of aforesaid regulatory provisions, the retailers are permitted to continue distributing and selling these products until further notice.
Industry stakeholders have also emphasized their commitment to adhering to labelling norms and regulatory requirements while simultaneously working to educate consumers through product packaging and public health initiatives.
The FSSAI’s decision reflects ongoing efforts to ensure consumer clarity and maintain the integrity of Food and beverage labelling in India.