The state had filed a similar case against Coca-Cola a fortnight ago.  "The government had sent 12 soft drink brands of Pepsico and Coca-Cola for tests to government and private laboratories.

The analysis of Mirinda and Pepsi revealed the presence of chloropyriphos to the extent of 0.15 micro gram per litre as against the prescribed limit of 0.10 micro gram per litre.

"A case is filed against Pepsi on Friday at the small causes court," Karnataka's health minister R Ashok said.

While Ashok acknowledged the fact that pesticides had mixed with groundwater because of chemicals used in farming, he argued that cola companies could not use this to their defence.

"When a consumer pays for a soft drink, it is the obligation of the cola company to ensure that the product is free of contaminants. I do not accept their argument," he said. 

The government has also obtained a copy of the ban order issued by Kerala prohibiting the sale of soft drinks to initiate similar steps in Karnataka.

"We are awaiting the laboratory results of all the soft drink brands. Subsequently, the proposal to ban the sale of soft drinks in Karnataka will be referred to legal experts for examination," he stated. 

Karnataka has already imposed a ban on the sale of soft drinks in schools, colleges, hospitals and government offices.

Complete coverage: Soft Drinks, Hard truths