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'Pesticide level in Coke, Pepsi still high'

      New Delhi: The pesticide level in carbonated beverages like Coke and Pepsi continued to remain at a very high level after Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) for the first time reported it in 2003 that the aerated drinks contain a cocktail of life threatening toxins. In its latest report released today by the CSE, the pesticide levels were at a national average of 24 times higher than its normal level as stated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in the cola samples. In 2003, the levels were 34 times higher. However, the reduction for the national average is only minimal since cola samples from Kolkata, Mumbai, Nainital and Gorakhpur remained at an exceptional high in the range of 52 times to 42 times higher than the normal level. The study tests conducted on 57 samples of 11 soft drink brands, from 25 different manufacturing plants of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo found pesticide residues in all samples; and a cocktail of 3-5 different pesticides in all samples.

      The report said: "The pesticides levels in some samples - for instance, Coca-Cola bought in Kolkata - exceeded the BIS standards by 140 times for the deadly pesticide Lindane. Similarly, a Coca-Cola sample manufactured in Thane contained the neurotoxin Chlorpyrifos, 200 times the standard." "This is clearly unacceptable as we know that pesticides are tiny toxins and impact our bodies over time," said Sunita Narain, Director, CSE. Calling it as a "grave public health scandal," Narain also came down heavily on the government for not notifying the standards. "The Union Health Ministry has, in the last three years, set up committee after committee, and various sub-committees, to examine the safety concerns, but with little progress. Clearly, good' science cannot become a pretext for prevarication and obstruction", Narain said. Narain further added that the government must notify the final product standards and make these mandatory for soft drink companies. "No more delays. No more procedures. We want safety first and foremost", Narain said. The report also alleged that the directions of the Joint Parliamentary Committee were also disregarded by not notifying the norms, which have been blocked due to the cola companies' opposition. The three main pesticides out of the six pesticides found in the aerated drinks are: a.) Lindane -a confirmed carcinogen whose levels were over 54 times above the BIS standard. In one Coca-Cola sample from Kolkata, it was 140 times higher. b.) Chlorpyrifos -a known neurotoxin whose levels were 47 times higher. A Coca-Cola sample from Mumbai had a 200 times higher level. c.) Heptachlor, banned in India, was found in 71 per cent of the samples, at levels 4 times higher than BIS standards.
-Aug 2,  2006

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