The Hindu

• A majority of the people agree that colas are harmful to health 

Bangalore, Aug 10: The ban on colas and several other soft drinks in and around educational institutions evoked mixed reaction from students, teachers and parents.

For the past few years, many had been following media reports and articles about nutritional deficits of carbonated drinks.

Many parents are aware that the sweeteners in these drinks are harmful to teeth.

Even teenagers do not find it "cool" to be seen sipping colas. But there are others who defend their right to drink any beverage they like.

Bhargavi, a lawyer and parent, said: "The ban should be appreciated. Children should not be allowed to drink colas containing pesticide residues or substances such as urea. They need choices... the soft drinks can even be banned." A group of lawyers recently staged a protest smashing up colas, demanding a ban on colas.

College lecturer Yeshwant Kumar said: "The ban will reverse an unhealthy habit, particularly among youth. It may even revive interest in traditional, healthy food and beverages. The ban will deglamourise soft drinks."

Bishop Cotton Girls' School Principal Princess Franklin said: "Even before this ban we stopped selling aerated drinks on the campus and now it is official, we are offering food drinks." Asha, a teacher, said that the ban was a blessing in disguise for children. With juvenile obesity posing a problem, it was the right move.

Information Technology professional Deepak supported the ban and felt it was overdue. HR executive Karishma had a dissenting note: "I don't support the ban on soft drinks. There are other things that are even more contaminated like fruits and vegetables." College students had different views too. Anagha said: "Personally, it doesn't make much difference because I don't drink colas. People should voluntarily give up such drinks."

Prerna said the ban was good but would not be effective without conclusive proof that colas were harmful to health.

Rahul, another student, said it was a right move. The health aspect was important for Debika, who felt regular consumption of certain soft drinks could lead to serious health disorders.

Many shopkeepers were not aware of the "100 feet ban" on sale of colas around educational institutions and some said they would stock more fruit juice packs to make up for it.

Junk food

The move to impose a similar ban on junk food has found favour with many nutritionists.

Anjum Ara, a nutritionist with M.S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, said childhood obesity was becoming a serious problem.

"Every day we get at least two children who are obese. A majority of these cases are related to child's calorific intake and not caused by any hormonal problems," she added.

Jyothi Prasad, nutritionist with Manipal Hospital, said in double income families, food habits were undergoing a change. Most people buy packaged foods high in fats or order junk food.

With school canteens selling junk food such as pizza and samosa, she added that the problem was compounded. "There are no healthy food options in schools. The ban on junk foods will be a necessary welcome."