Colas and Public Health 

To refresh ourselves, usually we have cold drinks. However, if we would come to know that these drinks are harmful for our health, we will naturally and surely not go for them anymore. In 2003, it was proved by CSE’s Laboratory (Center for Science and Environment) that colas had high level of pesticides, higher than the acceptable or prescribed standards. Three years later, the same organization has once again raised questions on the standard of Cola drinks on which they are selling their products.  A PIL (Public Interest Litigation) has been filed in the Supreme Court. The honourable court has asked Cola companies to file their answer within four weeks with all the details of ingredients and chemicals they are using in manufacturing. 

CSE has found that the ratio of pesticide is much higher than the standard norms, which can lead to severe health problems, and therefore, these cold drinks should not be allowed to circulate in the market. In a Press conference, the CSE Director, Sunita Narain, confirmed that pesticide residues have been found in the samples of various Cola companies’ drinks. Samples were collected from 12 states and the test results showed that Pepsi products still contains 30 times higher ratio of pesticides than the amount that was found in 2003. In comparison, Coke was a little better than Pepsi, having 25 times more pesticides ratio than the previous level of 2003. 

The CSE Director has accused the Government for its laid-back attitude towards framing rules and regulating these companies. She said, “The government has failed to set up the necessary quality control standards for the soft drink industry.” Even the Bureau of Indian Standards, which is the highest-ranking Government agency in India, has not laid down any standards for the soft drinks. They only have provision for bottled drinking water.  

On the other hand, the Indian Soft Drink Manufacturer’s Association has been assuring that “soft drinks are completely safe.” Ad-maker, Suhail Seth has expressed his unhappiness on the Director of Centre of Science and Environment. He has said that “Sunita Narain can’t destroy anybody’s reputation in the way which she has done”. 

Earlier, in 2003, when the issue was raised, a JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) was set up by the Government to look into the matter. The Committee was asked to file a report on CSE’s allegations. Sharad Pawar was the Head of the Committee. In its report, the Committee suggested to the government that standards are necessary for the Soft drinks. However, till now no standards have been laid down, nor has there been any other action in the matter.  

The Minister for Food Processing, Subodh Kanth Sahay has said that “if we get an official complaint on the matter, we will definitely set-up an enquiry to investigate the matter.” Asked about the investigation process, the Minister said that the Government would abide by the rule of improving the health of general public and nobody will be allowed to spoil it. 

BJP (Bhartiya Janta Party) has demanded a ban on the advertisements of Pepsi and Coke. Left parties have also joined the chorus against the soft drinks. BJP activists have demonstrated against the cola companies in Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Patna. In Rajasthan, the state government has even ordered that Pepsi and Coke will not be served in the schools and colleges until both the companies get the clearance from the court. In the very same pattern, Delhi government has also called off cola drinks from the schools and colleges.  

The matter has now taken a moral turn. And, the government will have to come out clean on the matter. If these soft drinks were banned in the canteen of Indian Parliament way back in 2003, then why do these drinks continue to be served to the general public even today? Why has the government not laid down any standards for the soft drinks till now? All these questions need an answer. Or, is it that the public will have to wait for another three years for the next CSE Laboratory test report?