FSSAI directs states to ensure removal of ‘ORS’ from product labels and brand names
New Delhi, October 16: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to all States and Union Territories’ Commissioners of Food Safety and all Central Licensing Authorities to ensure that all food business operators remove the combination of the term “ORS” from their food products.
The directive applies whether the term is used as a standalone word, with any prefix or suffix, or as part of a trademark in the product name.
In an official statement, FSSAI said, “The use of the term ‘ORS’ in the trademarked name or in the naming of any food product—whether fruit-based, non-carbonated, or ready-to-drink beverages—even when accompanied by a prefix or suffix, constitutes a violation of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations made thereunder.”
FSSAI has asked all concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance with the labelling and advertisement requirements prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its related regulations.
Earlier, the use of the term “ORS” was permitted on food labels as part of a trademark with a prefix or suffix, provided the label carried a warning stating, “The product is NOT an ORS formula as recommended by WHO.”
However, FSSAI has now clarified that after further review, the use of the term “ORS” in any manner for food products such as fruit-based, non-carbonated, or ready-to-drink beverages violates the provisions of the Act.
According to FSSAI, such practices mislead consumers with false, deceptive, or ambiguous label declarations. The products are therefore considered misbranded and misleading, making them liable for punishment under Sections 52 and 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The authority has directed officials to ensure immediate compliance by all food business operators and to take necessary action against any violations.
