AP govt to randomly test soft drinks

In the backdrop of the stink raised over pesticide residues in bottled soft drinks, Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday said it would undertake 'random testing' of samples from across the state to ascertain their quality.

"We will go for the tests at the earliest," state Medical and Health Minister K Sivaprasada Rao told reporters in Hyderabad.

Also Read Soft drinks, hard truths

Asked about the furore in Parliament over the finding of toxic residues in 12 major soft drink brands, including Pepsi and Coke, the minister said, "We have to first establish the case. We cannot punish anybody unless we establish the truth."

The random samples would be tested at the Institute for Preventive Medicine in Hyderabad, Rao said adding that the IPM laboratory was being modernised with central funds.

The state government, he said, was making concerted efforts to check adulteration of soft drinks, mineral water and ice creams.

"Currently, we are focussing on restaurants to ensure that quality of food is maintained at a satisfactory levels," Rao said.