The Maharashtra government has announced a major crackdown on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks around educational institutions, directing officials to prohibit their sale within a 500-metre radius of schools across the state. The decision is aimed at protecting children from products that health experts and lawmakers believe could pose long-term health risks.
The announcement was made in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal while responding to concerns raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute, who urged the government to take immediate action against the easy availability of such drinks near schools.
Pachpute argued that despite warning labels stating the beverages are not suitable for children, they continue to be openly sold outside school gates. He claimed excessive consumption among students could lead to serious health problems and called for stricter regulation.
Accepting the concerns, Minister Zirwal informed the House that the government would strictly enforce a 500-metre no-sale zone around schools for high-caffeine energy drinks. He added that the enforcement drive would also target prohibited tobacco products and other harmful substances being sold near educational institutions.
The minister said food safety officials have already been instructed to intensify inspections around schools, collect samples of suspicious food and beverage products, and initiate action wherever violations are detected. Authorities will also examine misleading advertisements that promote products to children despite health concerns.
The discussion in the Assembly also widened to include food safety and substance abuse around schools. Legislators expressed concern over the availability of products containing excessive sugar, artificial additives and other harmful ingredients that are increasingly marketed to young consumers.
Officials clarified that although “energy drinks” are not separately defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act, these beverages are regulated as Non-Alcoholic Caffeinated Beverages under existing food safety regulations. Their manufacture and sale remain legal, but the government has decided to tighten restrictions around schools in the interest of student welfare.
The move comes as the FDA continues an aggressive statewide enforcement campaign under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, focusing on food safety violations, banned tobacco products, adulterated food items and unhygienic food establishments. Authorities indicated that inspections around educational institutions will now become more frequent as part of the broader effort to create safer environments for schoolchildren.
