Karnataka lifts ban on colas

The Karnataka Government has lifted the ban on sale of colas in and around educational institutions, hospitals and Government offices.

Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister R Ashok told reporters that the Government had withdrawn its August 14 order banning the sale of twelve carbonated drinks including Pepsi and Coca Cola following the advise of State Advocate General Udaya Holla.

The Karnataka Government had banned the sale of soft drinks in and around educational institutions, hospitals and Government offices after the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had found a high level of pesticide content in the colas.

The Government’s withdrawal of its order on banning the sale of colas came the wake of a submission to the effect by Advocate General Udaya Holla in the Karnataka High Court was hearing a petition filed by Pepsi India Holdings Limited challenging the Government order.

Holla also submitted a memo to the High Court seeking dismissal of the company’s petition, contending that it had become “infructuous” as the order itself had been withdrawn.

However, the counsel for the company prayed for continuation of the case that questioned the provisions of Karnataka Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules. But, the court disposed off the petition, as the “cause of action” did not survive in the wake of the ban order’s withdrawal.

Karnataka Government’s decision to withdraw the order comes close on the heels of Federal Health Minister A Ramadoss proposal to implement a blanket ban on junk food and colas in schools and university canteens across the country in an effort to fight the rising obesity among youth. Ramadoss had said that the Federal Government proposed to write to all Vice Chancellors of Universities in the country to implement the ban.

Karnataka’s Minister for Health and Family Welfare R Ashok said the Government had to withdraw the ban orders due to technical reasons. He added that the Government was determined to ban the sale of aerated drinks in public interest and appropriate steps in the regard will be taken.