FAKE VS. FORMULATED: THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE BAN ON MISLABELED ORS DRINKS

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) drinks help stop dehydration caused by diarrhea, sickness, or hot weather. Real ORS has the right mix of sugar and salts that helps the body absorb water quickly.[1] However, in recent years, several fake and mislabelled ORS products have entered the market, posing serious health concerns.[2] These products more times contain excessive sugar and reduced sodium, which can worsen dehydration instead of treating it.[3,4] Studies have found that fake ORS drinks do not follow the WHO rules and have the wrong mix of ingredients. Lab tests showed that these fake drinks are too strong, which stops the body from absorbing water properly. The government banned these fake ORS drinks based on reports from health experts and ICMR. This review focuses on comparing fake and genuine ORS formulations in terms of composition, osmolarity, and public health impact. Continuous testing, consumer education, and strict regulations are necessary to prevent the sale of fake ORS products and protect public safety.[10]