Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have been banned from manufacturing and selling soft drinks in the Indian state of Kerala. Although many states have banned the sale of the beverages in hospitals, schools and colleges, Kerala is considered the first to totally ban the production and selling of Pepsi and Coke.

This comes after scientists confirmed that high levels of pesticide residue were in the drinks. According to Kerala’s chief minister Achuthanandan “There are lots of reports which prove that these drinks have certain ingredients that are harmful to the human body”.

Last week, the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi said it had found pesticide residues in samples of Coke and Pepsi that were 24 times above the limits set by the Indian government. The centre said that tests on 57 samples taken from 11 soft drink brands made by Coca-Cola India and PepsiCo India had found a “cocktail of three to five different pesticides.”

It is believed that the chemicals found in the drinks came from groundwater used in the manufacturing process. PepsiCo claimed that they follow the Indian governments� regulations, and that any pesticide residue is �miniscule�. The company released a statement saying “Our beverages in India are suitable for anyone, anywhere; we drink them. We share them with our families and friends. And we know they are safe for you.” Nonetheless, scientific analysis runs contrary to Pepsi�s statement, and shows that the beverages are indeed unsafe for human consumption.

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