The Maharashtra government on Friday announced that the sale of ‘Sting’ energy drink and other intoxicating products will be prohibited within a 500-metre radius of schools, amid growing concerns over their potential health impact on children.
Responding to a question raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute in the Legislative Assembly, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal said the decision was taken after concerns were raised about certain ingredients in energy drinks that are considered unsuitable for schoolchildren.
The minister said the FDA has been directed to strictly enforce the ban in areas surrounding schools. Educational institutions have also been asked to organise awareness campaigns to sensitise students about the health risks associated with the consumption of energy drinks and other harmful substances.
FDA unveils unified compliance framework for milk sector
In a separate development, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rolled out a unified compliance framework for the milk and dairy sector on Friday to tackle adulteration and strengthen food safety across the supply chain. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the department has brought together various existing regulations under a single set of compliance guidelines to ensure uniform implementation across the milk and milk products ecosystem.
He warned that violations, including milk adulteration, misleading claims, sale of unsafe products and unauthorised operations, would invite strict action, with penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh under the provisions of the law.
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