Andhra Pradesh asks IPM to examine colas

In the wake of reports of heavy pesticide residues in colas, the Andhra Pradesh government has asked the Institute of Preventive Medicine to analyse their contents with the assistance of Central Food Technology and Research Institute in Karnataka.

Following the reports and subsequent analysis by IPM that certain soft drinks did not conform to the prevention of food adulteration rules, it was decided to prosecute the manufacturers, while the action against the multinational drinks - Coca Cola, Pepsi and the like would be decided on receipt of the report, an official spokesman said in Hyderabad.

The government has asked the IPM to collect samples from all over the state and complete the investigations within a week, he said.

The government had decided not to allow sale of some soft drinks at government educational institutions and advised private educational institutions also to discourage similar sale.

The NGOs and other health institutions in the state have been demanding ban on sale of colas following reports of heavy pesticide residues in the drinks.