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What happened
On October 31, 2025, the Delhi High Court upheld the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) ban on the use of 'ORS' (Oral Rehydration Salts) in food and beverage labeling. This decision, led by Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, aims to protect children's health by ensuring that only products meeting World Health Organization (WHO) standards can be marketed as ORS. The ruling followed an eight-year legal campaign initiated by Dr. Sivaranjani, who filed a Public Interest Litigation challenging misleading marketing practices. The court found that the FSSAI's actions were justified on public health grounds and that the use of 'ORS' in branding could mislead consumers. The ruling also addressed concerns from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, which argued that the ban would cause significant financial losses due to unsold inventory. However, the court prioritized public health over commercial interests, directing the FSSAI to consider the company's concerns while maintaining the ban.
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Key insights
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1
Public Health Victory
The ruling is seen as a significant win for public health and consumer safety.
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2
Legal Campaign Impact
Dr. Sivaranjani's eight-year campaign led to this crucial regulatory change.
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3
Consumer Protection
The decision aims to prevent misleading marketing that endangers children's health.
Takeaways
The Delhi High Court's ruling reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting public health, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. It highlights the need for strict adherence to health standards in product labeling.