Maharashtra to Ban Sale of Sting, Other Energy Drinks Within 500 Metres of Schools
Maharashtra will prohibit the sale of Sting and other energy drinks within 500 metres of schools and step up awareness efforts over their potential health impact on children.
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Sting energy drink and other products that are considered intoxicating will not be sold within a 500-metre radius of schools as the Maharashtra government has decided to prohibit sales of such products within that limit, given their effects on children.
Minister of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Narhari Zirwal announced this in the state legislative assembly while replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute on the availability of energy drinks near educational institutions.
The state has instructed the Food and Drug Administration to implement the restriction and enforce it, Zirwal said. Schools will also be asked to organise awareness programmes to educate students on the possible health risks involved in consuming energy drinks.
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Regulatory Action:
The government had noted concerns about the sale of such drinks around schools and would take action if Sting or similar products were found to be sold in the prohibited zone, the minister said.
The issue was raised with concerns that energy drinks, which generally have high levels of caffeine and sugar, may not be suitable for children and adolescents.
In the discussion Pachpute also asked whether the state was thinking of a separate rule to ban the sale of Sting to people below 18 years of age.
Other legislators, including Rahul Kul and Varun Sardesai, urged the government to strengthen regulations governing the sale of energy drinks to minors and curb their easy availability near schools.
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Zirwal said the state would continue expanding awareness initiatives alongside regulatory enforcement to discourage the consumption of such beverages among schoolchildren.
The announcement comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of the energy drink category following notices issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to several beverage companies over the use of the term "energy drink" and health-related claims on product labels.
