The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed energy drink manufacturers to declare that the product is not an ORS as recommended by the WHO. The product ‘ORS’ is a drug under ‘Drugs and Cosmetic Rule, 1940’ that is used for treating acute diarrhea. The specific composition of the ORS has been prescribed by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

In August 2021, the Delhi High Court passed an order directing the Health Ministry to ensure strict compliance with the misuse of the term ‘ORS’. Following the order, an official order has been issued by FSSAI stating that the marketing and labeling of fruit-based beverages in the name of ORS is misleading and harmful for patients and ordinary consumers, especially children suffering from diseases like diarrhea, gastroenteritis, etc. 

The official order also included instructions for companies having trademarks similar to the term ORS, such as providing a prominent declaration on the front of the pack by using non-detachable stickers or printing that the product is ‘NOT AN ORS FORMULA AS RECOMMENDED BY THE WHO’.

(Source: https://www.livemint.com/science/health/fssai-cracks-whip-on-the-use-of-ors-by-energy-drink-firms-11658250320608.html )