The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea challenging the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s directive banning the sale of beverages marketed under the guise of ‘ORS’ (Oral Rehydration Salts) formulations, reaffirming the regulator’s authority to act in the interest of public health.

The petition, filed by a beverage manufacturer, contested FSSAI’s orders that restricted the use of the term “ORS” on products that did not comply with the prescribed composition and electrolyte balance defined under India’s food safety regulations. The court, however, upheld the regulator’s stance, emphasizing that misleading labeling could confuse consumers and pose potential health risks, particularly in cases of medical emergencies like dehydration or diarrheal diseases.

In its ruling, the bench noted that the ORS formulation is a critical therapeutic product governed by strict WHO and FSSAI standards, and allowing commercial beverages to use the same branding would dilute its clinical purpose and reliability.

The court observed, “The FSSAI is well within its mandate to prevent misuse of medically significant terms such as ‘ORS’ that could endanger public safety. Commercial convenience cannot override consumer health protection.”

Public health experts and nutritionists have welcomed the decision, stating that it reinforces the importance of accurate labeling and consumer trust in therapeutic nutrition products.

The judgment is seen as a landmark affirmation of regulatory vigilance, ensuring that the distinction between medical formulations and consumer beverages remains clear — a crucial step toward preventing misinformation and safeguarding health standards in India’s rapidly growing functional drinks market.