Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 4: The Maharashtra government has announced a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including Sting, within a 500-metre radius of schools across the state in an effort to curb their consumption among children and teenagers.
The decision was announced in the State Legislative Assembly by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal in response to concerns raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute.
During the discussion, Pachpute warned that although the energy drink complies with existing manufacturing standards, it has become highly addictive among schoolchildren. He pointed out that the product itself carries a warning advising that it is not suitable for children and pregnant women, yet it continues to be sold freely outside educational institutions.
Arguing that its long-term health effects on children could be severe, the legislator urged the government to impose an immediate ban on its sale near schools.
Responding to the issue, Zirwal acknowledged that such beverages are widely available around educational institutions and assured the House that the government would strictly enforce a 500-metre no-sale zone for high-caffeine energy drinks, in addition to existing restrictions on narcotic substances.
The debate also saw BJP MLA Rahul Kul call for a wider crackdown on substance abuse and food safety violations around schools. He alleged that narcotics were being sold under the guise of flavoured betel leaf products and expressed concern over flavoured milk products containing excessive sugar and artificial additives.
Zirwal informed the Assembly that the FDA is already conducting a high-level inquiry into such products. He said that, under administrative circulars issued on October 3, 2024, and September 17, 2025, authorities have been instructed to inspect vendors operating within 500 metres of educational institutions, collect food samples for laboratory testing and initiate action against misleading advertisements or products found to violate safety norms.
The government, in a written reply, clarified that while the term "energy drink" is not specifically defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, such products are regulated as Non-Alcoholic Caffeinated Beverages under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
The announcement came as newly appointed FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe attended proceedings at the Vidhan Bhavan. Mundhe, who assumed office on May 25, has launched a statewide enforcement drive targeting the sale of banned gutkha, pan masala and food safety violations.
As part of the campaign, the FDA has recently suspended the food safety licences of six hotels, restaurants, bakeries and clubs in Mumbai for alleged violations of food safety regulations.