Maharashtra government has decided to impose a ban on the sale of energy drinks with high caffeine content within a 500-meter radius of schools in the State.
State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Dharmarao Baba Atram announced this decision during a session of the Legislative Council on July 12.
He highlighted the current regulations on caffeine content, specifying that the permissible range in carbonated or non-carbonated drinks is between 145 mg and 300 mg per litre.
This was following a question by Independent MLC, Satyajeet Tambe, during the question hour. In the session, Tambe had expressed concerns on the easy access to energy drinks close to colleges and schools, the rise in student use, and the health hazards involved.
He also said that “In the advertisement, the hero runs up 15 flights of stairs after consuming the drink. Such ads influence school and college students to buy these drinks.
An international energy drink costs Rs 100, while local ones, priced at Rs 40-60, are available near schools and colleges.”
He said that such a high amount of caffeine is also in a way a drug.
Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe directed Atram to prepare a list of the drinks to be banned and circulate it with the FDA officials across the state for effective implementation of the order.
Effect of energy drinks on children
Energy drinks can negatively affect children, leading to issues like sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, high blood pressure.
Children are more likely to become overweight and experience heart issues.
Date : Sunday, 28 July 2024
Time : 10 am to 05 pm
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