'Colas bad even without pesticides'

CHENNAI: Adding fuel to the cola row, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said on Friday that even without pesticides, colas have "long-term consequences" which are harmful to health.

"All carbonated drinks like Pepsi and Coca Cola have high-risk factors as much as tobacco and a comprehensive policy on such drinks are needed," he said addressing the golden jubilee year celebrations of the cardio-thoracic department of Madras Medical College.

He said the pesticide content in soft drinks was a short-term issue, which could be sorted out by specifying the permissible levels during manufacture.

The minister also said a notification had been issued to specify the contents and nutrients in packed food items.

Cardio-vascular problems and diabetics were on the rise due to the changes in lifestyle and the focus should be more on prevention than treatment.