The Maharashtra government on Friday announced that it is banning the sale of ‘Sting’ energy drink and other intoxicating substances within a 500-metre radius of schools. Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal said that the sale of ‘Sting’ has been banned amid concerns over the impact of energy drinks on schoolchildren, reported news agency PTI.
Zirwal, replying to BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute, said that he has directed the FDA to enforce the restrictions and that schools have also been asked to conduct awareness programmes to educate students about the health risks associated with the consumption of energy drinks.
“The concerns raised by the honourable member regarding the sale of ‘Sting’ energy drink in and around school premises are valid to some extent. If the sale of such energy drinks or any other intoxicating substances is found within 500 metres of a school campus, immediate action will be taken against those responsible,” said Zirwal, quoted PTI.
Zirwal said the government would strengthen awareness campaigns at the school level while ensuring effective implementation of the proposed restriction.
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 food regulator objected to certain claims, including “vitalises body and mind”, “enhancing focus”, “boost energy levels”, “aid in general weakness”, by these companies and said similar assertions are not permissible for food products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.
