Sting Banned Near Schools: Maharashtra Cracks Down on High-Caffeine Energy Drinks
The Maha govt has officially banned the sale of the popular soft drink 'Sting' and other high-caffeine energy drinks within a 500-meter radius of all schools across the state. Following the directive, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), led by newly appointed chief Tukaram Mundhe, is launching a statewide crackdown to ensure strict compliance and protect student health.
The Maharashtra government has officially banned the sale of the popular soft drink 'Sting' and other high-caffeine energy drinks within a 500-meter radius of all schools across the state. Following the directive, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), led by newly appointed chief Tukaram Mundhe, is launching a massive statewide crackdown to ensure strict compliance and protect student health. The decisive action expands upon existing state prohibitions that restrict the sale of tobacco products, gutkha, and pan masala near educational institutions.
Legislative Push Over Health Risks
The issue was aggressively brought to the floor during the state assembly session by MLA Vikram Pachpute, who raised severe concerns regarding the formulations of such energy drinks. Pachpute emphasized that the exceptionally high levels of caffeine and sugar in these beverages could lead to addictive behaviors and negative health symptoms among children. Pachpute questioned the government on whether concrete guidelines would be established to prohibit the sale of these beverages to minors under the age of 18, and pressed for immediate executive orders to the FDA commissioner. Red Bull, Sting, Campa Among 6 Beverage Brands Issued FSSAI Notices Over 'Energy Drink' Claims.
Government Issues Immediate Directives
Responding to the legislative debate, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal issued clear instructions establishing the 500-meter restriction zone. Under these new rules, any commercial establishment or vendor caught selling Sting or similar high-caffeine beverages near school premises will face immediate legal action and product seizures by the FDA.
"We have taken a firm stance to safeguard the physical well-being of our school-going children," Minister Zirwal stated, adding that the administration will treat unauthorized sales near schools with zero tolerance.
Statewide Awareness and Implementation
Beyond commercial enforcement, the state government has mobilized the academic community to tackle the issue from the consumer side. School principals and teachers across Maharashtra have been instructed to actively educate students on the adverse health effects associated with high-caffeine and high-sugar dietary habits. Awareness campaigns are already being rolled out across classrooms to discourage children from purchasing these drinks. FSSAI Issues Notices to Red Bull, PepsiCo India, Campa, Sting, Other Brands Over 'Energy Drink' Claims.
FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe's enforcement teams are expected to deploy immediately to inspect shops, kiosks, and convenience stores situated close to schools, marking a major regulatory shift in how energy drinks are monitored in the state.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2026 05:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
