Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health Department has launched an intensive crackdown to trace and withdraw deceptively labelled ORS packs being sold across Odisha. The special drive, initiated by the Drugs Control Directorate nearly two weeks ago, targets misleading beverages marketed as ORS or electrolyte solutions.
So far, officials have recalled nearly 7.92 lakh units of these falsely labelled products from drug stores statewide. The seized stock is estimated to be worth around ₹4 crore.
According to an official of the Drugs Control Directorate, genuine Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) must be prepared strictly as per World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and manufactured only by licensed pharmaceutical companies. These WHO-compliant ORS formulations are typically available in medicine outlets.
“However, certain liquid packs sold under FSSAI approval are being misleadingly labelled as ORS or electrolyte solutions. These products do not meet clinical standards and are not effective for treating dehydration,” the official said.
The Health Department has warned that the enforcement drive will continue and that strict action will be taken against violators. Drug dealers and retailers have been instructed not to stock or sell such misleading products.
