Pesticide levels in soft drinks too high....

New study indicates pesticides 24 times higher than Bureau of Indian Standards norms

"The levels in some samples exceeded the BIS standards by 140 times for the deadly pesticide Lindane, a confirmed carcinogen" "Heptachlor, banned in India, was found in 71 per cent of the samples, at levels four times higher than BIS standards" 

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Wednesday came out with a new report on the levels of pesticides in soft drinks available in the market.

The Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) has released some ALARMING figures on the amount of PESTICIDES in the SOFT DRINKS. They are shockingly high.

CSE carried out the tests on 57 samples of 11 soft drink brands. The sample were collected from 25 separate manufacturing units of Pepsico and Coca Cola spreading across 12 states. As per the study on an average there were 3-5 different pesticides available in all the samples, 24x more  than the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms.

Lindane, a pesticide that can cause cancer, was found out to be 140 times times higher than BIS standards. Heptachlor, overshoot BIS standards by 4 times. What is more surprising is the fact that Heptachlor is actually banned in India. Some samples contained 200 times more of the Chlorpyrifos, neurotoxin,than the BIS standard.

The average amount of pesticide residue in Pepsi & Coca Cola, was 30 times & 27 times higher than BIS standards respectively.

 

PESTICIDE PERCENTAGE IN COLD DRINKS RELEASED BY IMA ( Indian Medical Association) RECENTLY :

1.  Thums up 7.2%

2.  Coke 9.4%

3.  7 up 12.5%

4.  Mirinda 20.7%

5.  Pepsi 10.9%

6.  Fanta 29.1%

7.  Sprite 5.3%

8.  Frooti 24.5%

9.  Maaza 19.3%

To put into perspective,  pesticide range higher than 2.1%, is very harmful to the liver and can cause cancer.

 

Health impact of pesticides

 

Lindane

1. A confirmed carcinogen, it increases the risk of liver cancer.

2. Too much consumption can damage kidney, immune and neural system.

3. Affects reproductive performance in males.

4. Lowers down sexual receptivity in females.

 

Chlorpyrifos

1. Affects brain cell development.

2. Over chlorpyrifos consumption may lead to growth retardation, behavioral abnormalities and muscle weakness.

3. Can cause immunological changes.

 

Heptachlor

1. Can cause tremors and convulsions.

2. Respiratory Failure.

3. Liver damage.

 

In 2003, the average level of pesticide residue in soft drinks were 34 times above the BIS standard, whereas now it is in range of 42-52 times above the BIS standard. The directions given by the Joint Parliamentary Committee for ensuring safety standards were not implemented because of opposition by the companies. So if you are waiting for the Government to set standards for ensuring your healthy living, it might prove to be a long wait. Chances are higher that you may even not be alive to see that change.

It is upto each individual to take charge of their health in their  own hands. Will you still consume soft drinks knowing how it affects our health? Will you allow your child to drink it?

You may not be earlier aware about adverse effect of soft drinks, but you probably are now. The choice lies with YOU.

Source: thehindu.com , ryanfernando.in

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