Editor,
I wish to highlight a pressing concern that caught my attention in a recent article published in The Indian Express on 18 October, 2025. The article shed light on the alarming issue of Tetra-packed, flavoured soft drinks masquerading as oral rehydration solution (ORS), posing a significant threat to public health, particularly among children.
As reported, a dedicated Hyderabad-based paediatrician, Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, has been waging a relentless eight-year battle against companies misleadingly marketing these products as ORS. Tragically, parents, unaware of the difference, have been administering these harmful beverages to their ailing children, exacerbating conditions like diarrhoea and leading to severe health complications.
The original ORS, developed by Dr Dilip Mahalanobis in the 1970s, has been a lifesaver for millions, providing an affordable and effective solution for dehydration. However, the proliferation of sugar-laden alternatives, often mistaken for genuine ORS, undermines this progress and jeopardizes public health.
The recent FSSAI ban on using the term ‘ORS’ for non-compliant products, announced on 15 October, 2025, marks a significant victory for Dr Santosh and a crucial step towards safeguarding consumers. Yet, this victory underscores a broader issue – the need for informed and responsible consumer choices.
As we witness a disturbing rise in lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes, often linked to excessive sugar consumption, it becomes imperative for individuals to take charge of their health. The tragic incidents of children succumbing to tainted cough syrups across the country serve as a grim reminder of the lethal consequences of unregulated and misleading products in our market.
I urge the citizens of our state to prioritize awareness and make informed decisions. While it is essential to hold manufacturers and regulatory bodies accountable, we must also acknowledge our role in demanding safer, healthier options.
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Let us strive to be vigilant, educated consumers, and collectively work towards a healthier future. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the generations to come.
Amey