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MPs demand ban on Coke, Pepsi
New Delhi, Aug 06: Voicing serious concern in Lok Sabha over the reported presence of high levels of pesticides and insecticides in Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola and ten other soft drink brands causing dreaded diseases like cancer, angry members today demanded an immediate ban on these drinks.
New Delhi, Aug 06: Voicing serious concern in Lok Sabha over the reported presence of high levels of pesticides and insecticides in Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola and ten other soft drink brands causing dreaded diseases like cancer, angry members today demanded an immediate ban on these drinks.
Responding to members' concern, Health Minister Sushma Swaraj said the government had sought a comprehensive report in this regard. "Government will take steps keeping in mind the collective wisdom of the members here," she said.
Rejecting the opposition members' notices of adjournment motion on the issue, Speaker Manohar Joshi, however, allowed them to speak briefly.
Describing the issue as "serious and startling", Swaraj said her reaction was the same what members had stated after going through media reports.
"I will collect all the facts and come back to the House," she added.
Shiv Sena member Suresh Jatav said the multinational companies were not only looting the country but spreading dreaded diseases through these soft drinks.
Samajwadi Party member Ramji Lal Suman said these companies were selling these drinks in Europe and Western countries in which the level of the pesticide and insecticide was very low whereas it was high in India.
CPI-M member N N Krishnadas and CPI member Prabodh Panda sought immediate banning of these soft drinks to save the future generations.
CPI-M member Anil Basu said these drinks were affecting millions of children who were the bulk consumers. The MNCs were violating all the norms to promote the sale of these drinks, he added.
Congress member Ramesh Chennithala wanted to know whether the report of Delhi-based NGO Centre for Science and Environment on the presence of high levels of pesticides and insecticides was true, while JD(U) member Nawal Kishore Rai said the issue was causing concern throughout the country.
K Malaisamy of AIADMK said these drinks were "poison and silent killer" as its prolonged consumption caused cancer and damaged reproductive system. These should be banned immediately pending all formalities, he said.
Samata Party member Renu Kumari sought legal action against the manufacturers of Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola and other soft drink brands and said these MNCs be thrown out of the country. RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh made a similar plea.
BJP member Kirit Somaiyya sought to know from the government what action was being taken in this matter.
Bureau Report
Responding to members' concern, Health Minister Sushma Swaraj said the government had sought a comprehensive report in this regard. "Government will take steps keeping in mind the collective wisdom of the members here," she said.
Rejecting the opposition members' notices of adjournment motion on the issue, Speaker Manohar Joshi, however, allowed them to speak briefly.
Describing the issue as "serious and startling", Swaraj said her reaction was the same what members had stated after going through media reports.
"I will collect all the facts and come back to the House," she added.
Shiv Sena member Suresh Jatav said the multinational companies were not only looting the country but spreading dreaded diseases through these soft drinks.
Samajwadi Party member Ramji Lal Suman said these companies were selling these drinks in Europe and Western countries in which the level of the pesticide and insecticide was very low whereas it was high in India.
CPI-M member N N Krishnadas and CPI member Prabodh Panda sought immediate banning of these soft drinks to save the future generations.
CPI-M member Anil Basu said these drinks were affecting millions of children who were the bulk consumers. The MNCs were violating all the norms to promote the sale of these drinks, he added.
Congress member Ramesh Chennithala wanted to know whether the report of Delhi-based NGO Centre for Science and Environment on the presence of high levels of pesticides and insecticides was true, while JD(U) member Nawal Kishore Rai said the issue was causing concern throughout the country.
K Malaisamy of AIADMK said these drinks were "poison and silent killer" as its prolonged consumption caused cancer and damaged reproductive system. These should be banned immediately pending all formalities, he said.
Samata Party member Renu Kumari sought legal action against the manufacturers of Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola and other soft drink brands and said these MNCs be thrown out of the country. RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh made a similar plea.
BJP member Kirit Somaiyya sought to know from the government what action was being taken in this matter.
Bureau Report