Ranjith Babu (రంజిత్ బాబు)

#Pharmacist #Healthcare #Pharmacovigilance #RIMS #RegulatoryAffairs #HEOR #RWE

[The Hindu @the_hindu]

Hyderabad-based paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) defended her campaign against certain electrolyte drinks, alleging that misleading branding and high sugar content in products such as ORSL and its rebranded version ERZL pose a risk to children’s health, reports @The_SidSingh

https://t.co/ZgBMlVOHFf

[ALL INDIA MEDICAL STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION @official_aimsa]

AIMSA firmly opposes the legal pressure on Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh. No doctor should be threatened for safeguarding patient welfare. Silencing medical truth endangers everyone.
@PMOIndia @ANI @PTI_News @ians_india @dr_sivaranjani @MoHFW_INDIA @JPNadda ji @mpprataprao ji @AnupriyaSPatel ji @DrMohammadMomin @siddhantvm @fssaiindia
@official_aimsa @aimsa_fmsw @official_afa_

[TheLiverDoc™ @theliverdoc]

Good morning @dr_sivaranjani

The Public Interest notice put on social media by Kenvue, the makers of Fake ORS™ is a classical case study in "Corporate Health-Washing".

Hey @kenvue @JNJNews no one needs your rubbish "hydration products" from a scientific standpoint. So you can go to hell and your products can rot on the shelves for all we care. Stop intimidating physicians and clean up your corporate mess born out of greed. Presenting your products in medical conferences is not scientific evidence, its paid endorsement. So respectfully, F.O.

A product that was commercially marketed as ORS for years despite not meeting WHO composition standards, that was formally banned by India's food safety regulator, that had its ban upheld by the Delhi High Court as a "health hazard," and that has now been cosmetically rebranded with a visually similar name, is being presented as a triumph of science-backed innovation. The WHO's own recommendation against the very sweetener used in the reformulated product is dismissed as "unrelated." And the physicians who fought for eight years to protect children from this deception are characterized as "disparaging influencers."

Here is a takedown of their sh*tty notice from my side, which you (@dr_sivaranjani) can use in your case against them.

1. "We have shaped the hydration category in India providing consumers with scientifically formulated solutions"
This is corporate euphemism for having commercialized a high-sugar beverage that was deceptively branded to resemble WHO-standard ORS for years. The product ORSL was never WHO-compliant ORS. The WHO reduced-osmolarity ORS formula specifies glucose 75 mmol/L (~13.5 g/L), sodium 75 mEq/L, potassium 20 mEq/L, and a total osmolarity of 245 mOsm/L. A product with roughly 8–9 times the glucose concentration of WHO ORS is not a "scientifically formulated solution", it is a sugary beverage that can worsen diarrheal dehydration through osmotic diarrhea. FSSAI found that the labeling and branding of ORSL beverages may mislead consumers into believing the product was a medically approved oral rehydration solution.

2. "In January 2026, we diversified our portfolio into two distinct brands — ORSL (Drug product) and ERZL (Food Product)"
This "dual-brand strategy" was not voluntary innovation — it was forced by the FSSAI ban. ORSL has even rebranded to ERZL (the 'e' designed to look similar to 'o' and the 'z' to 's'). The visual similarity between "ERZL" and "ORSL" is not accidental. The product's communication and positioning may create an association with ORS, and references to similarly named products in branding or advertising could reinforce consumer recall and blur the distinction between scientifically approved ORS and commercially marketed electrolyte beverages. A parent who was buying ORSL thinking it was ORS will now see ERZL in the same pharmacy shelf with near-identical packaging and make the same error. This is classic brand continuity engineering designed to circumvent regulatory intent.

3. "Reduced the added sugar content by 87% with 1.4X more electrolytes" — framed as a public health achievement
If you reduce sugar by 87% from a baseline of ~110 g/L added sugar, you still have approximately 14 g/L added sugar - and you have now replaced that sugar with sucralose, an artificial sweetener. The framing of "87% reduction" is a mathematical trick: it sounds impressive only because the starting point was absurdly, irresponsibly high. It is like a tobacco company boasting of reducing tar by 87% and expecting public health applause. Furthermore, "1.4X more electrolytes" is vague and scientifically meaningless without specifying which electrolytes, at what concentrations, and whether the resulting osmolarity is appropriate for the claimed indication. An electrolyte drink for "everyday hydration" in a healthy individual is, physiologically speaking, unnecessary - plain water and a normal diet provide adequate electrolytes for non-pathological states.

4. "There is well established scientific and safety assessment of sucralose, which is recognized by Global Health Authorities like Codex, EFSA besides both FSSAI & CDSCO/Indian Pharmacopoeia"
This statement cherry-picks regulatory approvals while deliberately ignoring the WHO's own 2023 guideline where especially, this ingredient is not supposed to be part of "healthy hydration."

5. "WHO Guidelines (2023) regarding use of 'non-sugar sweeteners' to reduce the risk of unhealthy weight gain have also been cited out of context and is unrelated to products like WHO ORS and Electrolyte Drinks"
This is perhaps the most egregious misrepresentation in the entire notice. The WHO 2023 guideline on NSS is a public health recommendation against the use of non-sugar sweeteners in foods and beverages across the board. This guideline provides evidence-informed guidance on the use of non-sugar sweeteners in adults and children. The guideline explicitly applies to "all synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners found in manufactured foods and beverages." ERZL is a manufactured beverage containing sucralose. It falls squarely within the scope of this recommendation. Kenvue's argument that this guideline is "unrelated" to electrolyte drinks is scientifically untenable. The WHO did not carve out exceptions for beverages that happen to contain electrolytes. The guideline's scope is defined by the presence of NSS in the product, not by the product's marketing category.

6. "We have been singularly targeted by a few Healthcare Professionals cum influencers in a disparaging and denigrating manner"
The healthcare professionals who raised these concerns were exercising their professional duty. Dr. Sivaranjani documented cases over eight years, including a diabetic child from Chennai who was dehydrated despite being given an ORS drink from a tetra pack. It was her advocacy that ultimately led FSSAI to act.
Characterizing physician advocacy against misleading health products as "disparagement" is a well-documented corporate strategy (SLAPP: Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) designed to silence public health criticism through legal intimidation.
The notice's claim that these professionals are motivated by "commercial benefits" and "increasing followers" is an ad hominem attack that inverts the actual conflict of interest. The commercial benefit accusation is outrageous - the party actually benefitting commercially from the product is the company Kenvue (Johnson & Johnson).

7. "We always recommend our ORSL WHO ORS portfolio to address diarrheal dehydration and ERZL for everyday hydration, respectively"
The concept of "everyday hydration" requiring a commercial electrolyte-and-sucralose beverage has no basis in physiology or evidence-based medicine. It is not recommended in any clinical guidelines. Healthy individuals with intact renal function, normal diet, and access to water do not need electrolyte supplementation for everyday activities. "Silent dehydration" - a marketing term promoted by these manufacturers - does not appear in recognized medical literature. This framing medicalizes a normal physiological state to create a market for an unnecessary product.

8. "We had no choice but to take necessary action to safeguard the brand integrity"
Sending legal notices to physicians who raise legitimate scientific concerns about a product that was already banned by FSSAI and whose ban was upheld by the Delhi High Court is not "safeguarding brand integrity." It is an attempt to suppress public health advocacy. The timing - sending notices after being forced to rebrand by regulatory action - suggests the motive is to silence documentation of the rebranding's deceptive visual similarity to the original banned product, not to correct misinformation.

The science is not on Kenvue's side. The regulatory record is not on Kenvue's side. The public interest is not on Kenvue's side.

[Dr.Sivaranjini @dr_sivaranjani]

I am Dr. Sivaranjani, a pediatrician , raising concerns about how ERZL is being marketed and positioned in pharmacies, and the risk it creates for consumers making critical decisions during dehydration.
This issue is not about whether ERZL is safe in isolation.
It is about how it is presented, perceived, and potentially misunderstood in real-world settings.

ERZL is a commercially marketed electrolyte drink. However, its branding and advertising raise serious concerns.
*It should not be using ORSL in its communication.*
Why?
Because:
* ORSL itself is not the original medically recommended ORS
* Referencing ORSL in any form creates brand recall in the minds of consumers
* Instead of reducing confusion, it continues and reinforces it
When ERZL is positioned as a continuation or replacement of ORSL, it keeps that same association alive — especially among parents who may already believe ORSL was equivalent to ORS.
👉 This defeats the very purpose of regulatory action.

In pharmacy settings:
* People are often making quick decisions under stress
* They rely on familiar names and visual cues
* Branding can directly influence what they choose
If ERZL continues to build on ORSL recall, it risks being perceived as a medical solution for dehydration, even when it is not the same as ORS (the medically recommended solution).

There are also concerns around ingredients like sucralose, especially in children and with prolonged use, based on global health guidance.
This makes clear communication even more important.

After raising these concerns, I have received a legal notice from Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue.
This petition is not about conflict.
It is about:
* Clarity in healthcare communication
* Preventing consumer confusion
* Ensuring responsible branding and advertising
* Allowing doctors to raise public health concerns without hesitation

We urge the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to:
1 *. Ensure that, since ERZL closely resembles ORSL, Kenvue is directed to rebrand it in a way that does not create recall or association with ORSL.*
2. Prevent misleading positioning that may confuse consumers
3. Strengthen enforcement at the pharmacy level
4. Ensure clear differentiation from medically recommended ORS
5. Protect healthcare professionals raising genuine concerns

In healthcare, even small confusion can have big consequences. Clear choices save lives.

@fssai @JPNadda
@MoHFW_INDIA @narendramodi
Stand for public health. Sign and share this petition to help protect every family from confusion in critical moments.
https://t.co/EzGFbVddDU

[Magadh Updates @magadh_updates]

After the Delhi High Court upheld FSSAI’s ban on ‘ORS’ branding, companies seem to have found a workaround.

Now the same product is being sold with a sticker, changing the name to “Craze.”

[Pragathi Yadhati @PragathiY]

This is d tragedy of our country. This great woman, a doctor, has been fighting for d people & children of our country. She is a good person, yet they r trying to silence her voice in order to shield d wrongdoers.

We live in d same community, she is a good person. #India #WakeUp

[Revant Himatsingka “Food Pharmer” @foodpharmer2]

Dr. Sivaranjani got a court case!

For 8 years, Dr Sivaranjani has been raising concerns about fake ORS! Last week she got a court case from one such company.

Companies in India spend crores on lawyers and Bollywood celebrities. Imagine if they instead spent on good quality ingredients as well?

This is not just a court case on Dr. Sivaranjani, this is also an attack on freedom of speech. Companies should remember that Freedom of Speech allows Freedom to Criticize.

Share this video to support @dr_sivaranjani and help this reach more Indians.

[Dr.Sivaranjini @dr_sivaranjani]

Tired, but not giving up! Pls download and share before there is a gag order on me.
Thanks to @IndiaESI (who also impleaded in my PIL against misleading branding of sugary drinks as ORS), @FAIMA_INDIA_ , HRDA Andhrapradesh, HRDA Telangana, MARD Thane, MARD Nagpur, Junior Doctor's Association Ahmedabad, Telangana Junior Doctor's Association, Junior Doctor's Association Ranchi, T-SRDA, GARD, Telangana Doctor's Forum, RDA Aligarh, RDWS UP, IMA Telangana State, IMA Hyderabad Airport, Endocrine Society of Telangana, Indian Doctor's and Dermatologists against quackery, for condemning the notice of Johnson&Johnson and Kenvue in which they accused me of disparaging them for my commercial benefits and views! Thank you for staying by my side! Grateful!

[Fundamental Investor ™ 🇮🇳 @FI_InvestIndia]

A Middle Class Person wants to Buy 2 Wheeler for his family. He works hard, saves money & test rides a TVS Jupiter. He feels it is good for his small family.

He enquires the cost.

Ex Showroom Price is ₹76000. He realizes that this price includes 18% GST (around ₹11000). 18% YES, THAT'S RIGHT. Base Price is around ₹65000.

₹13000 Road Tax + Registration. Both PAID TO Government.

₹6000 for a Motor Insurance (18% GST ~₹1000 to Govt). Yes that is 18% GST.

Accessories ₹5000 (GST included)

So, now he totally has to pay ₹1,00,000.

He calculates that he eventually pays 70% to Dealer, 5% to Insurance company & 25% to Government. He has already paid 20%-30% tax to the Government in the First Place 😀😀

He feels a bit let down. But then he asks himself:

- Why am I Paying 18% GST on a 2 Wheeler when I have paid 20%-30% Tax already on my income?
- Why am I Paying 18% GST on Motor Insurance when this is supposed to Protect me in case of Accident?
- I am not taking any Loan, but still I Pay almost ₹25000 to Government just to buy a Vehicle for my Family. I pay ₹70000 to the Vehicle Dealer & ₹5000 to the Insurer. They also have to make some money out of it.

So I am actually paying Government so much for the Vehicle.

He asks these questions, but realizes that he is Middle Class. He pays the Taxes, buys the Vehicle, Takes Photograph & Goes Home to Enjoy with Family. He goes back to Work the next day, so that he can afford many other things. Cycle Continues...

This is the Story of Every Middle Class of India 😀❤️

@FinMinIndia - You need to answer the questions asked by this Middle Class Person. Don't you think?

If you are a Hard Working Honest Middle Class Reader like Me, Share this Story until the Government takes notice & Becomes Accountable.

#FI

[Ranjith Babu (రంజిత్ బాబు) @ranjith_babu9]

Here is the trip details @Uber_Support

[Ranjith Babu (రంజిత్ బాబు) @ranjith_babu9]

Dear @Uber_India
Is it the right way by your driver doing, he asked 50 rupees extra I denied it. He cancelled my ride in front of me and taken ride to other passengers. Here is the auto details for your reference. At night 12 o clock is the correct way

[Ranjith Babu (రంజిత్ బాబు) @ranjith_babu9]

You can also check the call recording of your drivers in your database if you need the proof

[Ranjith Babu (రంజిత్ బాబు) @ranjith_babu9]

@RailwaySeva Can I know the reason why the complaint is closed without proper reason. Here is the situation how the staff is closed the bathroom door and taps in Narayanadri (12733). By mistake I mentioned it as venkatadri in my first post but the train number i have mentioned it clearly

[Ranjith Babu (రంజిత్ బాబు) @ranjith_babu9]

@RailwaySeva There is no water supply in the A3 coach of the Venkatadri Express (12733). The attendant mentioned that there is an airlock and asked us to wait for an hour, and now the service staff are advising passengers to use the toilets and washrooms in other coaches.

[Ranjith Babu (రంజిత్ బాబు) @ranjith_babu9]

@RailwaySeva @drmvijayawada I have DM you my PNR number and mobile no

[Ranjith Babu (రంజిత్ బాబు) @ranjith_babu9]

Requesting your immediate assistance to resolve this issue.@RailwaySeva @RailMinIndia

[Nachiket Bhatia @bhatia_nachiket]

Bad News - And a Bigger Fight Ahead
The Delhi High Court has paused the FSSAI ban on fake ORS drinks.
Now, the company can sell 180 crore worth of stock - nearly 4 crore packs of the same sugary drink that has 10x more sugar than WHO-approved ORS.
That proves ROl matters more than human lives.
These drinks can be dangerous for children, especially during dehydration.
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh fought for 8 years to get this ban - we can't let that fight go to waste.
Let's raise our voice.
Because if we stay quiet now, they'll keep winning
#pharma
#justice
#ors

[Dr.Sivaranjini @dr_sivaranjani]

Yes doc! I am so sad that even at this point, pushing the 180 crore stock into the children is more important than the health and lives of children! It's a shame!

[Dr.Sivaranjini @dr_sivaranjani]

Major media channels have been silenced! Only a few of them withstood the pressure, and continued with reaching out the land mark order to people! Thank you @IndiaToday! It is for Indians to prove their might again! The same way they stood behind me to make Oct15th FSSAI order happen! Boycott companies and pharmacies trying to finish off their stock at the cost of lives of children! Especially Kenvue(Johnson&Johnson)for asking for the stay! If it was in the US, this company would have been slapped with multiple litigations by now, by aggrieved parents!

[Revant Himatsingka “Food Pharmer” @foodpharmer2]

Bad news. Fake ORS ban has been paused by the Delhi high court.

ORSL has been allowed to sell 180 crore of their stock first. ORSL sells at 45 rupees per pack, so basically they want to sell 4 crore (180/45) fake ORS packs.

These fake products have up to 10 times more sugar than real ORS, and can be dangerous for kids suffering from diarrhea.

I request all Indians to unite and support @dr_sivaranjani
in the fight against fake ORS.

Please share this across all platforms so that we can put public pressure to not have any fake ORS sold.

#ORS #FoodPharmer