The Maharashtra government on Friday moved to restrict the sale of Sting Energy Drink and similar energy drinks within a 500-metre radius of schools. The decision comes amid a regulatory crackdown by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which recently issued notices to six major energy drink brands over alleged misbranding and misleading health claims.
Why has Maharashtra imposed restrictions?
The announcement was made in the state assembly by Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal, while responding to concerns raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute over the easy availability of energy drinks near schools.
According to the minister, authorities have been directed to ensure that no energy drinks or other intoxicating substances are sold within 500 metres of school campuses. He said immediate action would be taken against violators and schools would also be asked to run awareness campaigns highlighting the health risks associated with such beverages.
The issue gained momentum after several political leaders raised concerns that children are increasingly consuming highly caffeinated drinks marketed aggressively toward younger consumers.
What is the concern with Sting and other energy drinks?
According to health experts, the primary concerns around energy drinks for children and adolescents remain their caffeine and added sugar content, even though the nutritional values are lower than previously reported.
As per the current product label, a 250 ml bottle of Sting Energy Drink contains:
Energy: 70 kcal per 250 ml serving (28 kcal per 100 ml)
Sugars: 17 g per 250 ml serving (6.8 g per 100 ml)
The health experts also noted that excessive consumption of these drinks may contribute to blood pressure, sleep disruption, anxiety and hyperactivity, higher risk of obesity and metabolic disorders and dependence on caffeine at an early age.
Could there be an age restriction next?
During the assembly discussion, MLA Vikram Pachpute also asked whether Maharashtra would introduce a ban on sale of such drinks to children below 18 years. Other legislators, including Rahul Kul and Varun Sardesai, urged the government to introduce stricter regulations to prevent easy access for minors.
For now, the government has focused on restricting sales near schools and increasing awareness at the school level.
FSSAI takes action against energy drink brands
This development comes just days after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSAAI) issued notices to six major beverage brands over alleged misbranding and misleading promotional claims. The companies that received notices include Red Bull Energy Drink, Sting Energy Drink, Monster Energy, Hell Energy, Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink and Campa Gold Boost.
Why did FSSAI issue notices?
The regulator said there is currently no officially notified food category called “energy drink” under Indian food regulations. According to FSSAI, companies have been marketing products using terms like “Energy Drink”, “Boost energy levels”, “Vitalises body and mind”, “Enhances focus” and “Helps with weakness”.
The FSAAI argued these claims may violate provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, since therapeutic or functional health claims of this nature are not permitted for regular food products without specific approval.
Growing scrutiny over beverage marketing to children
In recent months, FSSAI has intensified action against food and beverage companies accused of misleading advertisements, inaccurate labelling and exaggerated health claims. Regulators are increasingly concerned about products that are aggressively marketed toward young consumers while containing high levels of stimulants, sugar and additives.