Vadodara, Aug 07: Concerned over the reported presence of high levels of pesticides in Coca Cola, Pepsi and ten other soft drink brands, Gujarat government has begun collecting samples from bottling plants in three districts of the state selling aerated drinks. "After getting the laboratory report on these samples, Gujarat government would decide on actions to be taken," Additional Chief Secretary to the Health And Family Welfare Minister Suddeep Kumar Nanda said here today.
These plants are located in the three districts of Bharuch, Ahmedabad and Rajkot, he said adding the Foods and Drug Commissioner has been instructed to collect the samples of Pepsi Cola and other aerated drinks across the state.
Meanwhile, president of Federation of Gujarat Industries Ram Devi Dayal has opposed the move on banning cold drinks without setting up of proper standards.
This requires changes in the prescribed standards after proper studies and discussions, he said.
Such move could have wider implications and demands may be raised for ban of selling of some products in unorganised sector, said Devi Dayal.
Bureau Report