Maharashtra Bans High-Caffeine Drinks near Schools

New Ban on Energy Drinks near Schools

• Maharashtra government to ban sale of high-caffeine energy drinks within 500 meters of schools
• Announced by State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Dharmarao Baba Atram
• Decision made in response to concerns about children becoming addicted to energy drinks
• FDA to issue order promptly to enforce the ban
• Existing rules allow caffeine content between 145 ml and 300 ml per liter in carbonated or non-carbonated drinks

Government's Rationale and Implementation

• Aim to reduce easy access to high-caffeine drinks for students under 18
• FDA to conduct inspections and take appropriate action
• Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe directed creation of a list of prohibited drinks
• List to be distributed to FDA officials statewide for effective implementation
• Potential legal action against misleading energy drink advertisements

Health Concerns and Risks Associated with Caffeine

• Increasing consumption of caffeinated beverages among youth
• Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, heart, muscles, and blood pressure control centers
• Can act as a diuretic, increasing urine flow

Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to:

• • Intoxication
  • Adverse effects on brain, kidneys, and nervous system
  • Anxiety, insomnia, reproductive issues
  • High blood pressure, obesity, and irritability

Caffeine Uses and Regulations

• Commonly used for mental alertness, headache relief, athletic performance, and memory enhancement
• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) allows caffeine within limits
• Illegal in the US to sell highly concentrated or pure caffeine products to consumers in bulk
• Found naturally in coffee, tea, cola, cocoa, guarana, yerba mate, and over 60 other products
• Used for various conditions, but lacks scientific evidence for many claimed benefits