Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Cola controversy

The Centre for Science and Environment has done a commendable job by drawing attention to the presence of pesticides above permissible norms in soft drinks. The findings clearly show that the cola multinationals have failed to do anything about the quality of their products, despite the centre's findings three years ago. But the fault also lies with the quality of groundwater that is being drawn and used by these companies. As groundwater is a major source of drinking water supply, the findings give rise to concerns about the quality of water being supplied to the common man. This aspect should be urgently addressed.

N. Jawahar Raj,
Tiruchi, T.N.

* * *

The fact that the tests revealed the presence of high residue of pesticides in soft drinks even three years ago and that the directions of the JPC were disregarded reflect the callousness of our Government. The multinational companies continue to violate the norms. Parents should educate their children and ensure that they do not stack their refrigerators with colas. We should popularise coconut water and fruit juice as alternatives.

N. Mahadevan,
Chennai

* * *

The West, which is particular about the ingredients of food sold in the market, has not banned the colas. The reason is the cola companies conform to the high standards of quality there. In India, there are no effective laws. Even the laws that exist are not enforced effectively.

But corporate social responsibility makes it incumbent on companies with such high brand equity to maintain some ethics.

Rahul Arora,
Puttaparthi, A.P.

* * *

Brand ambassadors play a vital role in marketing these products. These high-profile actors and sportspersons are highly worshipped in India. So they should realise that it is also their responsibility not to endorse products that harm people's health.

G. Ganesh Raam,
Erode, T.N.

* * *

The results will make more sense if a study is conducted on other water samples too. Using WHO standards for drinking water in India is not appropriate.

M.N. Viswanathan,
Coimbatore

* * *

The media seem to be sensationalising the issue because multinational brands are involved. Lakhs of people consume soft drinks every day. Such widespread marketing, distribution, and consumption cannot be sustained if the drinks are a mere concoction of pesticides. One should look at the issue practically. Laboratories should test our drinking water instead.

V. Prashanth,
Coimbatore

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