|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warning about caffeine content must on caffeinated drinks in paper cups
|
|
Wednesday, 18 January, 2017, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Pushkar Oak, Mumbai
|
Caffeinated beverages served in paper cups must carry a warning about the caffeine content. This was stated in a notice issued to McDonald’s by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra.
The issue was detected by FDA Kolhapur officials. During routine inspections they found out that the paper cups containing the caffeinated beverages at McDonald’s did not carry the warning, which is mandatory.
The quick service restaurant (QSR) chain’s contention was that the containers of beverages manufactured by soft drink giants Coca-Cola India and PepsiCo India carried the warning, and hence, it wasn’t binding on them to carry the same on the paper cups.
Chandrakant Salunkhe, assistant commissioner (food), FDA Maharashtra, said, “The QSRs sell drinks containing caffeine. Children consume such drinks. This may lead to adverse effects on their health, as well as that of pregnant women, especially lactating women, and diabetic patients.”
“While the bottles containing these drinks carry a label warning of their caffeine content, the paper cups containing them at QSRs don’t carry the same. Hence, we have sent a notice to McDonald’s,” he added.
Speaking about the need for labelling, Salunkhe said, “People should be informed about what they are drinking. If it contains caffeine, the cup has to state that. According to Section 2.4.5(38) of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, if the product contains caffeine, it shall be declared on the container or bottle.”
“These regulations only state that container should carry the label if caffeine is externally added. Although coffee also contains caffeine, it doesn’t come under the purview of the Act, because it is not a deliberate or external addition to the product,” he added.
McDonald’s maintained that it complied with the FSSAI laws. Following the action taken against it by FDA Kolhapur, the QSR chain appealed before Harshadeep Kamble, commissioner, FDA Maharashtra, who rejected it.
Meanwhile, he looked into the matter and ordered his officers to keep an eye on such cases across the state. They were ordered to initiate checks on eateries like Burger King, KFC and Pizza Hut.
Salunkhe stated that they urged FSSAI in writing to initiate nationwide inspections of such labelling cases.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|