State to prohibit the sale of Sting and similar energy drinks within 500 metres of school campuses, while stepping up enforcement and student awareness on health risks
The Maharashtra government has decided to prohibit the sale of Sting energy drinks and similar beverages within a 500-metre radius of school campuses, aiming to curb students’ access to products that may pose health risks, according to media reports.
The decision was conveyed in the Maharashtra Assembly on Friday by Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal in response to concerns raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute over the easy availability of energy drinks near educational institutions.
Schools Face Curbs
The state government has directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate enforcement measures against violations of the proposed restriction. Schools will also be encouraged to conduct awareness programmes to educate students about the potential health risks associated with energy drink consumption.
According to media reports, Zirwal said concerns over the sale of Sting and similar energy drinks around school premises were valid to some extent. He indicated that authorities would take immediate action if energy drinks or other intoxicating substances were found being sold within 500 metres of any school campus.
The minister further said the government intends to strengthen awareness initiatives among students while ensuring strict implementation of the new restrictions.
FSSAI Tightens Scrutiny
The state government’s move follows recent action by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which issued notices earlier this week to six companies marketing energy drinks over allegedly misleading branding and promotional claims.
The notices were issued to manufacturers of Sting, Red Bull Energy Drink, PepsiCo’s Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products’ Campa Energy Drink Gold Boost, Hell Energy and Coca-Cola-backed Monster Energy.
The regulator has maintained that claims such as “vitalises body and mind”, “enhancing focus”, “boost energy levels” and “aid in general weakness” are not permissible for food products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules framed under the legislation.
The latest state-level restriction signals tighter oversight of energy drink sales around schools, alongside broader regulatory scrutiny of marketing claims made by beverage manufacturers.
