We maintain global norms: cola makers

With the LDF liaison committee in Kerala recommending a ban on the sale of colas in the state in the light of the findings of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the debate on such a clamp down on the aerated drinks is adding fizz to the whole episode.

Sensing trouble, the Indian Soft Drinks Manufacturers Association (ISDMA) has reiterated that soft drinks, being manufactured in the country, strictly maintained all applicable national norms.

In a statement issued here, the ISDMA said: " The soft drinks manufactured in India comply with stringent international norms".

It added that over the past three years, the soft drink industry has been cooperating with the Union ministry of health, Bureau of Indian Standards, the scientific community and NGOs to establish stringent science-based norms.

"The efforts of the Government of India have led to the establishment of stricter norms that are on par with the best in the world. The ministry of health is in the process of developing validated testing protocols to which all members of ISDMA are fully aligned and co-operating in the process," the association added.

The LDF liaison committee, which has sought the ban on cola sale in the state, has made the recommendations on the basis of the findings of the CSE that these soft drinks contained pesticide residue. The liaison panel meeting was presided over by chief minister V S Achuthanandan.

There are apprehensions that a decision to ban the sale of Coke and Pepsi in the state might send wrong signals to industry.

Meanwhile, the LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan told reporters that "the LDF does not believe that people should consume poisonous drinks for the sake of promoting industries."

He, however, said that it is now left to the government to decide on the issue.