Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 17:
Asserting that all the soft drink brands of Coca Cola and Pepsi contain high quantity (0.8 to 1, according to the finding of the Centre for Science and Environment) of pesticides, FREINDS has decided to continue prohibition on sale of Coca Cola and Pepsi brands, said spokesperson of FREINDS Joy Chingakham during a press meet today.
He said that these soft drinks would be allowed to market in the State only when the Centre for Science and Environment declare it safe for sale all over India and the Supreme Court has lifted the restrictions imposed on the two MNCs.
On the other hand, area marketing manager of Coca Cola, Pranab Sharma while speaking to reporters said that according to the instruction of the Centre for Science and Environment, samples collected from all over the country had been tested and no sample was found containing high quantity of pesticide.
He added that the Supreme Court had also lifted all restrictions imposed against Coca Cola.
Questioning on the authenticity of the claim when there is still ban in many other States, Joy Chingakham rejected the claim as blatant lie committed with the sole objective to enable its products got marketed.
The prohibition would remain until and unless the competent authority permit marketing of Coca Cola and Pepsi brands, he stated.
During its ongoing drive yesterday, 373 bottles of Coca Cola and Pepsi brands were confiscated from Wahengbam Leikai, Nagamapal, Lilashing Khongnangkhong and Lamphel Sana Keithel areas, Joy informed.
He further conveyed that due attention would also be given to all the food items imported through the Moreh route.