Karnataka bans Pepsi, Coke and 11 other soft drinks

Karnataka became the latest addition to the growing list of states in India to prohibit sale of aerated beverages in educational institutions, hospitals and government offices.

Announcing the ban, Karnataka’s Health Minister R Ashok told reporters that the Government will ban the sale of Pepsi, Coca Cola and eleven other soft drinks in schools and colleges, besides hospitals and government offices from August 14.

The Karnataka Government has written a letter to the Federal Government for a blanket ban on all kinds of soft drinks. “We are yet to get a reply in the regard”. The State Government cannot impose a total ban on the sale of these soft drinks throughout the State as the matter comes under the purview of the Federal Government, he said.

However, the Government has decided ban the sale of Pepsi, Coca Cola, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Blue, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Thumbs Up and 7 Up within 100 metres of all schools, colleges and government hospitals across the State.

The Karnataka Government’s decision to ban the sale of colas comes after a study conducted by New Delhi-based Center for Science and Environment revealed a high content of pesticide in them.

Ashok said the Government was also contemplating a legal action against the multinational companies cola-manufacturing firms for selling soft drinks that contain a high level of pesticides that threaten the health of consumers.

He said a preliminary analysis of the samples of the colas conducted at the state-owned laboratories had shown the presence of pesticides and chemicals in quantities higher than the prescribed limits. The Government had sent the samples for extensive tests to a couple of national accredited laboratories.

“We are awaiting their reports to prepare the ground for legal action. We will file cases against the cola manufacturers under the Food Adulteration Act”, Ashok said. The pesticide residues in the soft drinks could cause cancer and malfunctioning of the kidney and liver. They pose a health hazard to the general public, particularly children, he said.

Meanwhile, junk food like pizzas and burgers had also come under the scanner of the Government. “We are collecting samples of different types of junk food sold in the State. After carrying out a test, we will take an appropriate decision with regard to pizzas, burgers and other junk food items”, he said.