The ruling came during the hearing of a plea by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), which sought permission to sell its ready-to-drink fruit-flavoured beverages under the brand name Rebalanz VITORS.
Fruit-based, non-carbonated, or ready-to-drink beverages cannot be sold labelled as Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), the Delhi High Court has ruled, upholding the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ban. The court emphasised that “public health considerations are paramount.”
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Plea Rejected
The ruling came during the hearing of a plea by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), which sought permission to sell its ready-to-drink fruit-flavoured beverages under the brand name Rebalanz VITORS.
FSSAI, through its orders dated October 14, 15, and 30, had held that using the term ‘ORS’ on such beverages violates the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, and related regulations. The regulator warned that such branding could mislead consumers, including children, diabetics, and the elderly, into believing these drinks were medically approved for rehydration.
