MUMBAI: In a major decision, the Maharashtra government has banned the sale of 'Sting' energy drinks and other intoxicating substances within 500 metres of schools, citing concerns over the impact of such drinks on school children's health.
The government will intensify inspections around educational institutions and take action against violators and misleading advertisements.
The decision was announced by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal in the Vidhan Sabha during the monsoon session of the State Legislature.
The FDA has been directed to strictly enforce the new restriction. If the sale of Sting or any other intoxicating substance is found within 500 metres of a school, authorities will take immediate action against those responsible, said the minister.
The issue was raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute, who highlighted the alleged health risks associated with the energy drink, claiming that despite complying with existing regulations, its consumption could become habitual among children. He pointed out that the product label itself advises that it is not suitable for young children and pregnant women and urged the government to prevent its sale to minors.
Replying to him, Zirwal acknowledged that the drink is commonly sold near school premises before adding that the government would strengthen awareness campaigns at the school level while ensuring effective implementation of the proposed restriction. The schools will be asked to organise awareness programmes to educate students about the health risks linked to energy drinks, he said.
Another BJP MLA Rahul Kul also demanded an inquiry into the sale of energy drinks and flavoured products around schools, alleging that some products marketed as flavoured milk contain excessive sugar and artificial ingredients that may adversely affect children's health.
Kul urged the government to appoint an expert committee to examine the health impact of such products, impose restrictions on their sale near educational institutions and launch a statewide awareness campaign.
Zirwal assured that the government would launch a special statewide campaign against the sale of harmful energy drinks, flavoured tobacco products and food adulteration, particularly milk adulteration. He also announced that new food testing laboratories would be set up across the state to speed up action against violators.
The announcement comes after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to several beverage companies over the use of the term 'energy drink' and health-related claims on product labels. The regulator said there is no notified standard for the 'energy drink' category under India's food safety regulations.
Apart from Sting, the FSSAI issued notices to Red Bull Energy Drink, PepsiCo's Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products' Campa Energy Drink Gold Boost, Hell Energy and Coca-Cola-backed Monster Energy.
The regulator also clarified that the Food Category System under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations is meant only for classification and cannot be used as the basis for product naming or labelling.