Maharashtra government bans sale of high caffeine energy drinks near schools

Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe directed Atram to prepare a list of the drinks to be banned and circulate it with the officials.

Mumbai: Amid health concerns over children becoming addicted to high-caffeine energy drinks raise, the Maharashtra government on Friday announced a ban of such drinks within a 500 mts radius of school premises.

Raising the issue, Independent MLC Satyajeet Tambe had demanded a ban on energy drinks in school premises to avoid easy access of such drinks to students below 18 years-old.

While speaking at the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Tambe said the state government should impose a ban on the sale of caffeinated beverages near school premises that are easily available to students.

Responding to Tambe, Food and Medical Supplies Minister Dharmarao Baba Atram announced a ban on the sale of the said drinks within a 500-metre radius of school premises.

"Consumption of caffeinated cold beverages under the name of energy drinks is increasing among the youth. These drinks pose a significant health risk. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to intoxication and adversely affect the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. It also poses risks of anxiety, insomnia, reproductive issues, high blood pressure, obesity, and irritability. Therefore, the state must take appropriate action by banning the sale of caffeinated cold beverages in school premises," Tambe said.

Tambe also urged the government to put restrictions on energy drink advertisements to avoid the widespread promotion of such beverages. Deputy Chairman of the Council Neelam Gorhe directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to hold a meeting regarding the matter within 15 days. "If there is anything objectionable in energy drink ads, legal action should be taken by informing the authorities," he stated.

Atram, while responding to Tambe's question, said, "A ban on caffeinated beverages (energy drinks) within 500 meters of school premises will be implemented urgently. The FDA will conduct inspections and take appropriate action. If any discrepancies, legal action will also be taken against energy drink advertisements.”