Punjab: The state government is going to conduct a survey on energy drinks available in the market and their harmful effects on human health. An order banning the sale of such beverages in and around schools is expected to be issued this week. The move comes as part of the government’s initiative against drug addiction. It is learnt that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will ban the sale of energy drinks to children below 18 years of age in school canteens and shops located within 500 metres of schools. The Tribune was the first to report that the government was considering banning the sale of energy drinks to school children. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh had last month approved a proposal to ban the sale of these highly addictive beverages to children below 18 years of age.
The order has undergone legal scrutiny. Once the order is notified, Punjab will become the first state in the country to ban these beverages, which contain three times more caffeine than that found in soft drinks. Doctors in the area are also warning about the harmful effects of consuming such beverages. The state health department will conduct a survey among school children and canteens to find out what kind of energy drinks are available in the market. “We will also check the caffeine content in these beverages and their impact on human health. A survey will also be conducted to find out if school children are aware of the harmful effects of these beverages,” said Dr Sandeep Bhola, state nodal officer on de-addiction and rehabilitation.
Punjab: Government plans survey on energy drinks
