Maharashtra FDA to Ban High-Caffeine Energy Drinks Near Schools

Maharashtra FDA Minister Dharmarao Baba Atram announced a forthcoming order to ban energy drinks with high caffeine content within a 500-metre radius of schools. The move, addressed in the state legislative council, aims to safeguard students' health. Existing rules permit caffeine content between 145 ml and 300 ml per litre in beverages.

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Dharmarao Baba Atram announced on Friday that his department will issue an order to ban the sale of energy drinks with high caffeine content within a 500-metre radius of schools.

Atram made the announcement in the state legislative council in response to a question raised by independent legislator Satyajeet Tambe during the Question Hour.

According to Atram, the FDA will soon restrict the sale of energy drinks with high caffeine content near schools. Currently, the permissible caffeine content in carbonated or non-carbonated drinks ranges between 145 ml and 300 ml per litre. Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe instructed Atram to prepare and circulate a list of the banned drinks for effective statewide implementation.