FSSAI Orders Removal of “ORS” Term from Food Product Labels and Trademarks
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all State and Union Territory Commissioners of Food Safety, as well as Central Licensing Authorities, to ensure that food business operators (FBOs) remove the term “ORS” from all food products.
The directive applies irrespective of how the term is used—whether as a standalone word, with a prefix or suffix, or as part of a brand or trademark.
In its official statement, FSSAI said, “The use of the term ‘ORS’ in the trademarked name or in the naming of any food product—be it fruit-based, non-carbonated, or ready-to-drink beverages—even with a prefix or suffix, violates the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.”
FSSAI has instructed all regulatory authorities to ensure strict compliance with labeling and advertising norms under the Act.
Previously, the regulator had allowed the use of the term “ORS” in a trademarked name with a prefix or suffix, provided the label carried a disclaimer stating, “The product is NOT an ORS formula as recommended by WHO.”
However, after a detailed review, the authority has now withdrawn that allowance, clarifying that the use of “ORS” in any form on food products—including beverages—is misleading and prohibited under the law.
FSSAI noted that such practices mislead consumers by using false, deceptive, or ambiguous labels, and such products will now be treated as misbranded and misleading, attracting penalties under Sections 52 and 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Authorities have been directed to ensure immediate compliance and take necessary action against any violators.
