Left wants cola norms notified

NEW DELHI: The Union health ministry’s report debunking the CSE study on pesticide residues in colas provoked sharp reactions on Wednesday. Centre for Science and Environment Director Sunita Narain accused Health Minister A Ramadoss of speaking the language of the cola companies, and the CPI(M) flayed the ministry for “virtually defending” the firms.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M)-led Kerala government is not going back on its decision to ban both Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

Now Karnataka is also contemplating a total ban on the sale of soft drinks, with the government studying the legal implications of such a move.

Reacting to the Union health ministry’s report, Karnataka Health Minister R Ashok told DNA: “I am surprised how different government labs can give different reports.  Samples tested in labs at Kerala and Karnataka have found higher levels of pesticides.”

The CPI(M) said in New Delhi that the UPA government should notify the standards, taking cognisance of the recommendations of the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Joint Parliamentary Committee. CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said the National-Level Expert Committee constituted by the Union health ministry is in the process of finalising the standards.

A meeting of CSE representatives and Coca-Cola CEO Atul Singh is also being planned to agree on regulations for carbonated drinks.