Karnataka bans soft drinks again

“The state of Karnataka, after consideration of material and in the interest of health and well-being of children and students, has felt an imminent need to prevent the sale of carbonated beverages within school and college and hostel premises,” said a notification issued on December 18.

The government defended its decision by saying it had found that the consumption of carbonated beverages led to childhood obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and tooth cavities, and that the sale of such drinks has been prohibited in schools in several states in the US, Britain and other nations.