The Hindu Business Line : Cola controversy

The cola controversy has erupted again with a lab analysis of samples of the soft drinks indicating that they contain chemicals and pesticides such as Lindane, DDT, Malathion and Chlorpyrifos in higher quantities than the stipulated norms. The drinks are unsafe because the pesticide residues detected are way above the standards. Various NGOs have been demanding a ban on the sale of these drinks. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have already banned their sale in educational institutions, government offices and canteens. And the Kerala government has banned production and sale of the soft drinks in the State.

However, there are larger issues yet to be tackled by the Central and State governments. The indiscriminate use of pesticides, fungicides and fertilisers has contaminated ground-water and soil severely. There are virtually no cereals, vegetables or fruits without pesticide residue. Milch animals are fed processed feed for want of pastureland. In Mumbai, vegetables grown on the lands irrigated from the drain water are highly toxic. Carrots, red pumpkins and watermelons are artificially coloured by vendors to improve their salability. The Government and the bureaucrats responsible for regulating public health have failed miserably in their duty to take a holistic approach in the matter.

S. Narayan

Mumbai

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