365Telugu.com online news, Hyderabad, December 21st,2024 : In a brave and ongoing battle against misleading marketing practices, a concerned individual has taken a stand against certain companies mislabeling their products as Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS).
The controversy surrounds the marketing of ORS-like products which are promoted with questionable claims, potentially endangering public health, especially that of children.
The journey began when a product, marketed as an ORS from day one, started to show adverse effects on consumers. Despite the product being advertised as a rehydration solution, parents noticed that diarrhea symptoms worsened rather than improved.
After investigating the product’s ingredients, they discovered that its sugar content was ten times higher than the recommended level for ORS. The product, produced by Johnson & Johnson and sold under the label ORSL, was found to be highly misleading in its claims.
FSSAI and CDSCO’s Intervention
In response to growing concerns, the complainant began writing to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the Ministry of Health.
On April 8th, 2022, the FSSAI issued an order stating that products with misleading labels could no longer be marketed as ORS. However, within just two months, the order was reversed, after the addition of a microscopic disclaimer on the label that stated: “THIS IS NOT AN ORS.”
The retraction of the FSSAI’s order raised suspicions, and led the concerned citizen to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Telangana High Court. The PIL argued that a disclaimer could not protect products from dubious labeling, especially when it was not easily visible to the average consumer.
The Dangerous Rebranding Strategy
Despite the controversy, Johnson & Johnson and other companies involved have continued to promote their products under the guise of “electrolyte drinks” intended to combat fatigue, often misleading consumers into thinking these drinks are equivalent to ORS.
The company even launched a marketing campaign, using advertorials in newspapers to propagate the concept of “silent dehydration,” a term coined to sell the product as a solution for dehydration-related fatigue.
Influencers have been enlisted to promote the product, but this is where the issue becomes even more concerning. Consumers—especially parents—continue to purchase the product under the belief that it is a legitimate ORS for their children. Diabetic patients and other vulnerable groups are also at risk, drinking these high-sugar drinks, which can worsen their health conditions.
The Call for Action
The concerned individual has issued a passionate plea to pharmacies and corporate hospitals to stop dispensing the product as ORS, urging them to prioritize public health over profit. The misleading labels and unchecked marketing tactics are putting vulnerable populations at risk, and the need for change is more urgent than ever.
The plea also extends to Johnson & Johnson and other companies selling similar products, urging them to reconsider their marketing strategies and adopt more ethical practices. The message is clear: “Please change your labels to ensure that no one is misled into believing your drinks are WHO-recommended ORS.”
A Public Health Crisis in the Making?
The growing public health crisis stems from products like ORSL, which may seem harmless at first glance but are potentially dangerous when used as a substitute for proper rehydration solutions.
Experts recommend WHO-recommended ORS or natural alternatives like water, coconut water, fresh fruit juices, buttermilk, and soups for hydration, especially in cases of fever and diarrhea.
How You Can Help
The author of the post has called for widespread support to raise awareness about the dangers of misleading labeling in the market. They urge followers to share this post widely in order to make a difference and help protect public health.
The influencers who endorse products should also be encouraged to do thorough research before promoting any product, as their endorsements have a significant influence on consumer behavior.
The Final Word
The situation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the marketing and labeling of health products. Until clear regulations are enforced and companies begin to prioritize consumer safety over profits, it is up to the public, legal entities, and responsible organizations to push for change.
Let’s stand together to protect our children and vulnerable populations from dangerous products masked as legitimate solutions.