Eight years ago, Dr Sivaranjani Santosh noticed a troubling pattern in her pediatric practice. Children with diarrhea were not recovering despite prescribed Oral Rehydration Solution. Her investigation revealed parents were being given sugary ORS variants instead of proper formula.
These drinks contained ten times more sugar than WHO recommendations. Instead of rehydrating children, these products were making them sicker.
WHO’s ideal ORS formula contains specific measurements: 13.5g glucose, 2.6g sodium chloride, and 1.5g potassium chloride per liter. The sugary variants disrupted this careful balance.
High glucose content actually dehydrates children further. This discovery launched Dr Sivaranjani’s long campaign against misleading products.
She began filing complaints with health regulators. Her persistence eventually triggered regulatory action.
In October, FSSAI ordered companies to remove ORS terminology from food products. This marked a significant victory in her fight against sugary ORS variants.
When she started, only ORSL existed under Johnson & Johnson. Now numerous brands like Rebalanz ORS and Glucon-D ACTIVORS flood the market.
In 2021, she alerted CDSCO about ORSL tetra packs. The organization responded these liquids fell under FSSAI’s beverage category.
She then wrote to FSSAI about the misleading naming. These products were sold widely in medical settings despite being beverages.
Customers asking for ORS received high-sugar drinks instead. This confusion motivated her legal action.
She filed a PIL in Telangana High Court in September 2022. The case remains pending with multiple respondents named.
Early 2025 brought more evidence submissions to health authorities. Her continuous pressure contributed to the October FSSAI order.
The order banned ORS terminology from all food products. This included standalone use and trademark incorporation.
Despite the directive, these products remain on pharmacy shelves. Implementation challenges persist in the fight against sugary ORS variants.
JNTL Consumer Health sought Delhi High Court permission for FSSAI representation. The regulatory body agreed to this request.
Dr Sivaranjani emphasizes FSSAI must now enforce its own order. She has submitted objections and reminders to authorities.
Stricter laws could curb rampant sales of sugary ORS variants. She advocates for pharmacy restrictions protecting rural populations.
Parents should avoid self-medication and online advice. Doctor consultations remain crucial for children’s health.
Balanced diets outweigh supplement reliance. Pediatricians should determine necessary supplements.
Doctors must educate parents about label reading. Observation when medicines fail is equally important.
Dr Sivaranjani continues her independent fight for child safety. Despite exhaustion, she vows to persist against sugary ORS variants.