‘‘Our demand to the government is notify the finalised standards of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for carbonated beverages and make the regulation for this product mandatory,’’ CSE Director Sunita Narain said.

Meanwhile, Coca Cola India said it also supported a move by the government to adopt a clear criteria for pesticide residues in soft drinks, which are based on scientifically validated testing methods. ‘‘We are working with relevant government bodies in India to develop and finalise the criteria along with their associated testing protocols for pesticide residues in soft drinks,’’ it said.

Coke also said it was committed to provide the same quality standard for products in India as it was elsewhere in the world. ‘‘We have the same uncompromising commitment to product safety and quality in our beverages in India that we offer around the world,’’ it said.

Kerala ban only covers MNC’s colas

KOCHI: The state health department today asked its personnel to prevent sale of Coke and Pepsi in the state, after the government issued formal orders banning both their production and distribution. The ban order covers only colas of the two MNCs, and none of their their other carbonated drinks. The ban also does not extend to the many other cola brands in the state.