Over the last fortnight, there have been several judgments on the issue of using the Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) label for certain widely marketed drinks. The litigation is in response to paediatricians pointing out the dangers of high levels of sugar in “rehydration drinks” that are labelled as ORS but worsen diarrhoea on account of the high sugar content. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) responded to this issue, and it was subsequently challenged by industry representatives. The Delhi High Court has clarified its position. While the legalities will be ironed out in court, it is the science that needs to be decoded to arrive at a scientifically consistent legal position.

The ambiguity in its over-the-counter usage stems from its transformation from a rehydrati

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