The Hindu : Kerala News : Kerala to impose total ban on Pepsi, Coke softdrinks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 10, 2006

Kerala

Kerala

Kerala to impose total ban on Pepsi, Coke softdrinks

Special Correspondent

`Ban may be extended to other products of the companies'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to ban production and sale of Pepsi and Coca-Cola in the State.

Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan told mediapersons after the Cabinet meeting that the ban was being imposed as the colas contained substances harmful to health of the people. The ban might be extended to other products of the companies after due examination as they were also reported to contain such substances.

The Chief Minister said the Government had received reports from the department in charge of enforcement of Food and Adulteration Act on the colas. Several studies had shown that the cola products contained harmful substances. A few States had already banned Pepsi and Coca-Cola. There were also a few court verdicts in favour of the ban.

Mr. Acthuthanandan also recalled the people's agitations against Coca-Cola.

He said the Cabinet had resolved to convey the State's concern to the Centre over the denial of political clearance for the Vizhinjam International Transhipment Project. The Centre had informed Minister for Law and Ports M. Vijayakumar of its decision. Central Ministers from Tamil Nadu, who favoured the Kolachal Project, were said to be obstructing clearance for the Vizhinjam Project. There were also reports that the presence of a Chinese company in the consortium that won the bid for the project was the reason behind the denial of clearance.

A special Cabinet meeting would be convened next week to discuss the financial position of the State.

The State's position was much weaker than that presented by the previous Government, he said.

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