Why in news?
In November 2025 the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued two important directives. On 20 November the authority instructed state and union territory food safety departments to crack down on ready‑to‑serve drinks and electrolyte beverages marketed as “ORS”. The use of the term “ORS” in food products is banned because it misleads consumers into thinking the drinks are equivalent to medically approved Oral Rehydration Salt. Earlier, on 4 November, FSSAI released an advisory on environmentally compliant disposal of seized, rejected and expired food items after reports of improper dumping into rivers.
Background
FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of food to protect consumers. The authority issues standards for additives, labelling and hygiene, licences food businesses and undertakes surveillance. Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) is a life‑saving mixture of glucose and electrolytes recommended by the World Health Organization to treat dehydration from diarrhoea. Genuine ORS is regulated as a drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, not as a food product.
Key points of the November directives
- Crackdown on ORS‑labelled beverages: FSSAI noted that certain fruit‑based and ready‑to‑serve drinks were still being sold under names containing “ORS” despite an earlier prohibition. States and union territories have been directed to designate enforcement officers, conduct inspection drives across e‑commerce platforms and retail outlets, seize non‑compliant products and submit action reports. The authority clarified that WHO‑approved ORS falls under the Drugs Act and should not be targeted.
- Advisory on disposal of seized food: Reports of seized or expired food being dumped directly into rivers prompted FSSAI to reiterate disposal guidelines. Designated officers must ensure that perishable and rejected items are destroyed through authorised incinerators or in sanitary landfills with leachate control. Disposal must be supervised, video recorded and certified, with monthly compliance reports sent to FSSAI.
- Environmental safeguards: Dumping food waste into rivers pollutes water bodies and harms aquatic life. The advisory emphasises composting biodegradable waste, coordinating with municipal bodies and pollution control boards, and maintaining records to prevent misuse.
Significance
- Protecting consumers: Preventing the misuse of the term “ORS” ensures that people are not misled into using sugary drinks as treatment for diarrhoeal dehydration.
- Maintaining food safety chain: Proper disposal of seized goods prevents them from re‑entering the market and stops environmental contamination.
- Strengthening enforcement: Regular inspection drives and monthly reporting encourage accountability among state food safety departments.
