Karnataka imposes fresh ban on colas in school and college campuses

Days after withdrawing the ban on colas across the State, the Karnataka Government imposed a fresh ban on sale of all carbonated drinks including Coca Cola and Pepsi in school, college and hostel campuses, citing health hazards to children.

Karnataka’s Minister for Health R Ashok told reporters that the Government had taken a decision to ban these drinks after finding that consumption of carbonated beverages resulted in childhood obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and cavities in tooth.

The Government, which had withdrawn the ban on sale of soft drinks imposed four months ago, has now issued a fresh notification in exercise of powers vested with the State under article 162 of the Constitution. “Karnataka has become the first state in India to impose such a ban on the sale of soft drinks by exercising its powers under the Constitution”, he said.

Ashok said the courts were of the opinion that the ban under Central Food Adulteration Act did not come under the purview of the State Governments. “Therefore, the present ban on the sale of soft drinks had been made in exercise of powers inherited by the State under the Constitution”, he said.

Also, the State Government has chosen to drop all references to pesticide content in soft drinks, the grounds on which the previous ban had been imposed. “The reasons for reintroducing the ban is to protect the interest of health and well being of children”, he said.

The Government has also justified the ban on the grounds of a similar restriction in force in US, which is the hub of major carbonated drink manufacturers. “Three soft drink companies in the USA – Pepsico, Coca Cola and Cadburys Schwepps, and their bottling companies have agreed to remove soft drinks from vending machines and cafeteria and schools in several states of USA in a phased manner”, the Government notification said.

The notification also contains the reported policy statement of Pepsi Company in India, which reads as “As a matter of policy, Pepsi company does not promote its fizzy drinks to children below 12 years of age and does not encourage consumption of soft drinks in primary schools”.

Meanwhile, the Indian Soft Drinks Manufacturers’ Association has reacted with shock to the Karnataka Government’s decision to impose a fresh ban on sale of carbonated drinks in educational institutions across the State. “The industry offers a broad range of beverages, which we believe can be part of occasions, where there is a need for hydration, refreshment, nutrition and celebration, and are completely safe. To date, there has been no conclusive study that establishes that consumption of soft drink leads to health issues like obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis or tooth cavities as alleged by the State Government”, a statement from the Association said.