A Hyderabad-based pediatrician, Dr. Sivaraniani Santosh has received legal notices from pharmaceutical companies including Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue following her public awareness campaign on oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and hydration drinks.
The notices allege that her statements on social media have misrepresented certain products, including electrolyte-based ready-to-drink liquids (often referred to as ESRL and OSRL), and have caused reputational harm to the companies.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had directed companies to discontinue the use of the term “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Solution or Salts) for beverages that do not comply with the formulation standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO) on October 14, 2025, the directive followed an eight-year public health campaign led by Hyderabad-based paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who had consistently raised concerns regarding potentially misleading product labelling.
According to reports, the companies claim that the doctor’s campaign:
Incorrectly categorized some commercially available hydration drinks as “fake ORS”
Potentially misled the public regarding the efficacy and composition of these products
Was aimed at increasing her social media engagement and follower base
The legal notices further assert that such statements could affect consumer trust and brand reputation.
Dr. Sivaranjini has been actively promoting awareness about the appropriate use of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), particularly in pediatric care.
ORS is a medically recommended formulation containing:
Glucose
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
It is widely used to treat dehydration caused by conditions such as diarrhea, especially in children. The formulation is endorsed by global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), for its effectiveness in preventing and treating dehydration.
Her campaign reportedly emphasized the distinction between:
WHO-recommended ORS formulations, and
Commercial hydration beverages, which may differ in electrolyte composition and intended use
From a clinical perspective, ORS is specifically designed to:
Restore electrolyte balance
Enhance water absorption in the intestines
Prevent complications of dehydration
In contrast, some commercially marketed hydration drinks:
May contain added sugars or flavoring agents
May not adhere to WHO-recommended electrolyte concentrations
Are often marketed for general hydration rather than medical rehydration
This distinction is important in medical settings, particularly for managing dehydration in children.
Clear differentiation between therapeutic formulations and general wellness products is essential to ensure appropriate use and avoid confusion among consumers.
Legal notices in such cases typically seek:
Retraction or clarification of statements
Prevention of further dissemination of disputed claims
Protection of brand reputation
The matter remains a developing issue, with implications for both healthcare communication and corporate accountability in public health discussions.
(Rh/TL/MSM)
