Maharashtra Government Warns of Strict Action Against Energy Drink Sales Near Schools The Maharashtra government has announced plans to take strict measures against vendors selling unhealthy food products and caffeine-based energy drinks near schools, citing growing concerns over their negative health impacts on children and teenagers. The directive came after a discussion in the state assembly regarding the harmful effects of energy drinks, with food and drug administration minister Narhari Zirwal emphasizing the need for stringent enforcement. In response to a question raised by MLA Vikram Pachpute about the health risks associated with energy drinks, Zirwal stated that authorities have been instructed to closely monitor the sale of harmful food items around school premises. He highlighted that parents, teachers, headmasters, and zilla parishads have been urged to report instances of caffeine-rich beverages and unhealthy food products to the FDA. These reports will enable action under existing laws to address the issue. The minister noted that the concern over energy drink consumption among school students has prompted extensive discussions. MLAs Rahul Kul and Varun Sardesai also participated in the debate through supplementary questions. Zirwal added that the state is simultaneously enhancing its food-testing infrastructure to expedite the scrutiny of food and beverage samples. Currently, Maharashtra operates three food and drug testing laboratories in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, and Mumbai. New laboratories are being established in Raigad, Nashik, Yavatmal, and Pune, with an additional 22 labs set to be created under a public-private partnership model. Zirwal explained that expanding the laboratory network will accelerate food sample testing and improve regulatory oversight.#maharashtra_government #narhari_zirwal #vikram_pachpute #rahul_kul #varun_sardesai
