Concerns resurface over sale of ORSL lookalike product; Dr Shivaranjani questions role of FSSAI
The alert was shared by Rara Medical Store, Chhattisgarh, whose owner agreed to be identified publicly while raising the concern
By - Anoushka Caroline Williams
Representational Image
Hyderabad: Concerns have resurfaced over the approval and sale of a product bearing a name similar to ORSL, an oral rehydration solution brand that was withdrawn following safety concerns involving children.
The issue was flagged by a retailer from Chhattisgarh and brought to the attention of Dr Shivaranjani Santosh, who has been pursuing regulatory accountability in the ORSL case for several years.
The alert was shared by Rara Medical Store, Chhattisgarh, whose owner agreed to be identified publicly while raising the concern.
ORSL and public health concerns
ORSL, once marketed as an oral rehydration solution, became the subject of national concern after allegations of misbranding and potential safety risks to children emerged.
The controversy led to regulatory scrutiny and renewed debate on enforcement gaps related to branding, labelling and food safety approvals.
Public health advocates have warned that products with similar names or visual presentation could mislead consumers, particularly parents and caregivers, into assuming medical equivalence or safety.
Dr Shivaranjani Santosh sends alert
The latest concern was flagged to Dr Shivaranjani Santosh, who has been actively engaged in seeking accountability from regulators and authorities over the ORSL issue.
Reacting to the development, Dr Santosh cautioned that the issue extends beyond the product name alone and includes visual resemblance and labelling.
“If it be ERZL, QRZL, DRZL, GRZL, as long as the label resembles ORSL, it’s still going to wreak havoc if it is released into the market. I request FSSAI not allow this to happen on behalf of all the children and the parents of this great country, India,” she said, speaking to NewsMeter.
Questions on trademark approval
Dr Santosh also questioned how a trademark similar to ORSL received approval.
Addressing the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, she asked, “How was trademark licence given so fast, and that too, to a similar trademark as ORSL, despite knowing how much damage ORSL did to the children of this country?”
The question was also directed at the Department of Commerce, seeking clarity on safeguards against approval of potentially misleading trademarks.
FSSAI under scrutiny
Raising concerns over regulatory oversight, Dr Santosh questioned the role of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
She further called for preventive action rather than post-facto enforcement, particularly in cases involving products linked to child health.
Corporate interests vs public health
Placing the issue in a broader context, Dr Santosh questioned regulatory priorities. She concluded by seeking accountability from all concerned authorities.
Call for regulatory coordination
The episode has renewed calls for stronger coordination between trademark authorities, food safety regulators and health ministries, especially for products associated with nutrition and paediatric use.
Observers note that clarity in labelling rules and stricter enforcement could help prevent consumer confusion and reduce risks to public health.
