Question : Toxic Contents in Soft Drinks

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether toxic contents in soft drinks of several companies have been found in excess of prescribed limits;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government against the defaulting companies;

(c) whether the Government proposes to make its citizens aware about prevalence of toxic contents in soft drinks, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the other steps taken to protect common man from the harm caused by such drinks?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (d): No specific data pertaining to toxic content in soft drinks has been reported by any of the States/UTs. Standards for carbonated beverages (non-alcoholic) have been prescribed in sub-regulation 2.10.6 of the Food safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Permissible limits for metal contaminants and insecticide residues for soft drinks and carbonated beverages are prescribed in Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011.
Enforcement of Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations made thereunder primarily rests with State/UT Governments who conduct regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and sampling of food products to check compliance of the prescribed standards. Penal action is taken in cases of non –compliance.
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