Paediatrician's Crusade Against Misleading ORS Labels

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2025-11-03 04:20:44 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-12 21:06:02

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In a country where diarrhoea remains a significant health concern, especially among children, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) have long been a trusted ally. However, a Hyderabad-based paediatrician, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, has been on a mission to expose a hidden danger lurking in plain sight. Her journey began with a simple yet crucial observation: children with diarrhoea were deteriorating instead of recovering after consuming ORS.

Dr. Santosh's investigation revealed a startling fact: parents were unknowingly administering tetrapack ORS solutions with sugar levels ten times higher than the recommended amount. This prompted her to take action, leveraging social media and YouTube to raise awareness. Her persistence led to a significant victory in October when the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the misleading labelling of ORS on non-compliant beverages.

The battle, however, is far from over. Dr. Santosh warns that companies might resort to alternative labels to market substandard ORS products. She advocates for strict regulations, emphasizing that only the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended formula should be available in pharmacies, hospitals, and schools. This ensures that the public receives accurate information about the correct ORS mixture, preventing potential health risks.

As the controversy unfolds, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has challenged the FSSAI's directive in the Delhi High Court, citing potential financial losses. This legal development underscores the complexity of balancing public health interests with commercial considerations. With the issue gaining traction, the public awaits further developments, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of vulnerable children.

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