Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal issued a directive in this regard in the Legislative Assembly after a question raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute.
FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal
The Maharashtra government has announced a comprehensive ban on the sale of high energy drinks, such as Sting, within the 500-metre radius of schools across the state. The decision is aimed at regulating the consumption of high-caffeine beverages among youth.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal issued a directive in this regard in the Legislative Assembly after a question raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute, IANS reported.
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Pachpute had earlier highlighted the severe health hazards posed by the popular energy drink, claiming that while it technically complies with certain manufacturing regulations, it is highly addictive for school-going children.
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“The bottles themselves carry a warning stating that the drink is not suitable for children and pregnant women. Yet, it is being freely sold right outside school premises. In terms of its long-term impact on children, this energy drink is proving to be more hazardous than liquor,” IANS quoted Pachpute as saying.
In reply, Zirwal stated that the energy drink was indeed being widely distributed around educational institutions. Further, he assured that the state would strictly enforce a 500-metre restriction zone around schools.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Rahul Kul called for a broader investigation into substance abuse and food adulteration around schools. It was argued that narcotics were being frequently sold under the guise of flavored betel leaf.
Kul raised alarms over flavoured milk products containing excessive sugar and artificial chemical additives, according to IANS.
Zirwal mentioned that a high-level internal investigation was already underway under the supervision of the FDA.
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