I still remember the day I opened Instagram and saw Dr Sivaranjani Santosh crying with happiness.
I had been following her for months. Every time she spoke about “fake ORS” drinks being sold across India, I could feel her frustration and pain. She wasn’t doing it for fame or followers she was doing it for our children.
As a mother, I always thought anything labelled “ORS” was safe. Whenever my child fell sick or showed signs of dehydration, I would reach for those ready-made bottles from the store thinking they were life-saving.
Little did I know, many of them weren’t even close to what real Oral Rehydration Solution should be.
The Truth About Fake ORS Drinks
For years, companies have been selling sugary drinks with the word “ORS” printed boldly on their labels. They tasted sweet, came in fancy packaging, and promised to “rehydrate instantly”.
But Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, a paediatrician from Hyderabad knew something was wrong. These so-called ORS drinks didn’t match the World Health Organization’s (WHO) formula.
Real ORS is a carefully balanced mix of salts, glucose, and electrolytes designed to replace what the body loses during diarrhoea or vomiting. When the sugar or salt levels are wrong, it can actually make dehydration worse, especially in small children.
Dr Sivaranjani spent eight long years fighting to stop these fake ORS drinks from reaching our homes. She wrote to authorities, raised awareness online, and faced criticism from big brands. But she never gave up.
The Victory That Made India Listen
On 14 October 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) finally banned the use of the word “ORS” on any drink or food product that doesn’t meet WHO standards.
It was a historic moment and the result of one woman’s courage and persistence.
That day, when Dr Sivaranjani posted a video on Instagram with tears in her eyes, I cried too.
Not just because she won, but because every child in India won.
I felt proud to be a mother in a country where someone stood up for the truth where a doctor refused to let marketing tricks endanger innocent lives.
What This Means for Parents Like Us
As parents, we trust easily sometimes blindly. We pick products from shelves believing if it says “for kids” or “doctor-recommended”, it must be safe.
But this entire ORS issue reminded me that awareness is our biggest weapon.
Now, I check every label carefully. I only buy WHO-approved ORS sachets from pharmacies.
If a drink looks colourful, tastes too sweet, or comes in a fancy bottle claiming “instant energy”, I skip it because that’s not real ORS.
Real ORS doesn’t need branding. It saves lives quietly.
My Message to Other Moms
To every mom reading this please don’t fall for packaging or big promises.
When your child is sick or dehydrated, always ask your paediatrician which ORS to use. Keep the plain WHO-standard ORS sachets at home. They may not taste great, but they work miracles.
And if you’re on Instagram, do follow Dr Sivaranjani Santosh. Watch her stories, listen to her advice she’s not just a doctor, she’s a warrior for our children’s safety.
This ban isn’t just her victory. It’s a victory for every parent who wants the best for their child.
🌿 Final Thoughts
As parents, we often trust what’s available on the shelves without questioning it believing it’s safe just because it’s common. But this entire journey taught me that awareness is the biggest form of protection we can give our children. Dr. Sivaranjani’s fight reminded me to pause, read, and research before I pick up anything for my child. One mother’s voice can protect her own home but when a doctor and thousands of mothers unite, we can protect a generation.
Also, do Check out my simple Drumstick Soup Recipe for Toddlers) — a nourishing homemade option for recovery days.