Mumbai: In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the health of schoolchildren, the Maharashtra Government has decided to prohibit the sale of energy drinks, including the popular ‘Sting’ brand, and other intoxicating substances within a 500-metre radius of schools across the State.

The announcement was made by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal in the Legislative Assembly on Friday while replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute regarding the growing consumption of energy drinks among children.

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Zirwal said the government has taken the decision in view of concerns surrounding certain ingredients in energy drinks, particularly their high caffeine and sugar content, which health experts believe are unsuitable for children and adolescents.

“The concerns raised by the honourable member regarding the sale of ‘Sting’ energy drink in and around school premises are valid to some extent. If the sale of such energy drinks or any other intoxicating substances is found within 500 metres of a school campus, immediate action will be taken against those responsible,” the minister told the House.

He informed the Assembly that the Food and Drug Administration has been directed to strictly enforce the restriction. Schools have also been instructed to organise awareness programmes to educate students about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption of energy drinks.

The issue gained prominence after legislators expressed concern over the easy availability of highly caffeinated beverages near educational institutions and their increasing popularity among school-going children.

During the discussion, MLA Vikram Pachpute sought to know whether the government would also consider prohibiting the sale of such drinks to persons below 18 years of age. MLAs Rahul Kul and Varun Sardesai also urged the government to introduce stricter safeguards to prevent minors from accessing such beverages.

Responding to the demand, Zirwal said the government would strengthen awareness campaigns at the school level while ensuring effective implementation of the proposed restrictions.

Health experts have repeatedly cautioned against excessive consumption of energy drinks by children, pointing out that these beverages generally contain high levels of caffeine and sugar. A standard 250 ml bottle of Sting Energy Drink contains approximately 70 to 75 mg of caffeine, nearly equivalent to a cup of coffee, and around 28 to 30 grams of sugar, or almost seven teaspoons. Excessive intake of such drinks has been linked to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, anxiety, hyperactivity, obesity and early caffeine dependence.

The state’s decision comes amid a wider regulatory crackdown by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on the energy drink industry.

Recently, FSSAI issued notices to six major beverage manufacturers, including Red Bull Energy Drink, Sting Energy Drink, Monster Energy, Hell Energy, Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink and Campa Gold Boost, over alleged misleading advertisements and misbranding.

According to the food regulator, there is currently no officially recognised food category called “energy drink” under Indian food regulations. FSSAI has objected to promotional claims such as “Boosts energy”, “Vitalises body and mind”, “Enhances focus” and “Helps with weakness”, stating that such therapeutic or functional health claims are not permitted for conventional food products without specific regulatory approval.

In recent months, the regulator has intensified action against food and beverage companies over misleading labelling and exaggerated health claims, particularly where products containing high levels of caffeine, sugar and stimulants are aggressively marketed to young consumers.

The Maharashtra Government’s latest decision is expected to curb the easy availability of such products near schools while promoting greater awareness about their potential health risks among students, parents and educational institutions.