FSSAI Directs States to Ensure Removal of ORS from Product Labels and Brand Names
The body noted that the directive applies whether the term is used as a standalone word, used with any prefix or suffix, or forms part of a trademark in the product name.
Hyderabad: Despite a nationwide ban against using the term Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) on any food or sugary drink, several medical shops and delivery apps in Hyderabad continue to sell ORSL, which does not conform to WHO standards. Health officials, however, pointed out that instructions have already been issued to all medical shops to stop the sale of such products.
Health commissioner Dr Sangeetha Satyanarayana said, “FSSAI’s instructions have been communicated to all districts. Directions will be issued to manufacturing units, and discussions are underway regarding already manufactured stocks.”
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Telangana State Pharma Society chairman A. Sanjay Reddy said the sale of non-conforming products was due to a lack of awareness about the ban among some medical shops.
However, he argued that while the FSSAI order is valid, the responsibility lies with the manufacturer. The Drugs Control Administration should issue immediate orders to halt the sale, or the health ministry must direct pharmacy chains to recall existing stocks,” he added.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) commissioner R.V. Karnan, who oversees the Food Safety Wing in Hyderabad, said, “As the order applies across the country, we will act according to the health ministry’s instructions.”
During a tour of Deccan Chronicle, Nampally, Abids, and Secunderabad revealed that ORSL drinks were still readily available in the market. Pharmacists admitted ignorance of the directive. “Customers come asking for ORS, and we give them ORSL,” said one shopkeeper.
Madhukar Rao, the president of the Telangana Chemists and Druggists Association, said, “It’s up to the manufacturers to take back the unsold stock. As it was a late-night order, medical shops will take some time to comply. Though there is stock, we don’t sell it.”
