Delhi High Court upholds FSSAI ban on misleading 'ORS' beverage labels
The Delhi High Court supported the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's ban on using 'ORS' labels on fruit-based drinks that do not meet medical standards. The ruling emphasized public health concerns and prevents companies from marketing sugary beverages as oral rehydration solutions without compliance to WHO-approved formulations.
The Delhi High Court has upheld the FSSAI's regulatory decision to prohibit the use of the term 'ORS' on fruit-based beverages unless they conform to the standard medical formula approved for oral rehydration solutions. This ban targets companies that label sugar-laden drinks as ORS, potentially misleading consumers about their health benefits and causing public health risks. The court highlighted the hazards of allowing such products in the market and stressed that permitting the 'ORS' label is contingent upon meeting strict medical criteria. The ruling aligns with efforts to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency, mandating that companies must remove ORS labeling if their products do not meet the specified guidelines. This action has been welcomed by health professionals as a significant move to prevent misuse of ORS branding and to promote health awareness. It also poses financial and operational challenges for beverage companies during the label transition period. Overall, the judgment prioritizes safeguarding public health by restricting misleading product labels that could cause harm through consumer confusion and incorrect medical claims.
