As sales of aerated drinks remained unaffected a day after the Centre for Science and Environment found pesticides in leading Coca-Cola and Pepsi brands, the Union government commissioned a report on the findings.
It was business as usual for the two companies. Though there was a 7-10 per cent drop in sales in the Capital on Wednesday, retailers and stockists attributed it to rains in and around Delhi.
| |||||||||||
Hoteliers and restaurants also reported no change in sales. A Pizza Hut functionary said none of the customers turned down any offer to have a cold drink.
"We are selling as much as yesterday," he added. A McDonalds executive added that the consumers were still choosing among Coca-Cola, Fanta, Limca and Sprite rather than between a cold drink and a shake.
Hotel chains like Taj, Oberoi and Intercontinental were seen serving cold drinks at various events during the day.
The cola majors had on Tuesday said while studies like the one conducted by the CSE set sales back temporarily, they would soon return to normal.
Soft drink industry experts also added that since the season for the industry was over, the study would not have a significant impact on sales.
Meanwhile, responding to the concerns raised by members of Parliament, Union health minister Sushma Swaraj said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that the government had sought a report on the CSE findings.
"The government will take steps keeping in mind the collective wisdom of the members here. I will collect all the facts and come back to the House," she said.
Describing the issue as "serious and startling", Swaraj added that her concerns were the same as those raised by the members.
More from rediff