October 31st 2025.
The Delhi High Court, in a hearing on Friday, made it clear that it will not interfere with the directive from FSSAI, the food safety regulator, which restricts the use of the term ORS in the labeling of food and beverage products. This restriction will only be lifted if the products meet the standard medical formulation required for such products.
Justice Sachin Datta stated that Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, the company challenging FSSAI's directive, can re-sticker their existing products if they wish to do so. The court further added that a detailed order will be passed in this regard.
The court emphasized that the health of the citizens is of utmost importance and public health hazards cannot be allowed to continue. It stated, "It is a health hazard... What I propose to do is this: This embargo will continue. I am not disturbing this embargo, given the public health considerations." The judge also mentioned that the company can re-sticker their existing products without any objection from FSSAI.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, which challenged FSSAI's directive to restrict the use of the label 'ORS' for their oral rehydration solution brand, Rebalanz VITORS. The court also allowed the company to represent their difficulties with FSSAI regarding the existing stock and see if a middle ground can be reached. However, the court made it clear that it will not compromise on public health considerations.
In the hearing, the counsel for the company stated that they have stopped manufacturing fresh stocks of their product and are seeking an order to dispose of the already manufactured stock. They also mentioned that they are ready to re-sticker the existing stock in their possession. The court also took into consideration FSSAI's order issued on October 14, which withdrew all prior permissions for food and beverage companies to use the term 'ORS' in their product names or branding if they do not meet the standard medical formulation.
FSSAI argued against the company's request to sell the already existing stock with the Rebalanz VITORS mark. The court also mentioned that it will set a timeline for FSSAI to consider and decide on the company's plea.
ORS, which stands for Oral Rehydration Solution, is recommended by WHO for people suffering from dehydration. FSSAI deemed the use of 'ORS' in branding of sugary or electrolyte drinks as misleading to consumers, especially children, and a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The court also reiterated that public health considerations are of utmost importance and no orders will be passed against it. The article further mentions that this news was reported by Orissa Post, which is Odisha's No.1 English Daily.
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