Date:18/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/18/stories/2006081807440300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

State urged to ban soft drinks

Staff Reporter

All-India Youth Federation to stage protest on August 21

ANANTAPUR: The district unit of All-India Youth Federation (AIYF) on Thursday urged the State Government to ban soft drinks manufactured and marketed by Coke and Pepsi companies, at least in educational institutions and hospitals.

District president P. Narasimhulu and general secretary Eeswaraiah said that the failure of the State and Central Governments to ban soft drinks despite findings released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) about pesticide residue, exposed their lack of concern for health.

The AIYF leaders suggested the State Government to emulate Governments of Kerala, Karnataka and Gujarat who had either completely or selectively banned soft drinks of the two companies keeping the people's health in view.

They also urged the cine and cricket stars who were endorsing soft drinks to set aside their personal gains and quit from such advertisements in the larger interests of the public. The AIYF would take up a statewide agitation demanding ban on soft drinks of the two companies on August 21.