WITH the rise in the heat, the supply of detrimental soft drinks and juices is increasing in the country, resulting in spread of various diseases.

More than 45 per cent of soft drinks, juices and bottled mineral water being sold in Faisalabad are adulterated and spurious. The increase in the heat wave has raised the demand for soft drinks and juices.

A number of manufacturing units of adulterated soft drinks, juices and mineral water were set up in all cities, especially in residential areas of suburban localities of Faisalabad like 204 chak , Manawala, and Madina Town.

On the other hand, people have no awareness regarding the issue while the government is not taking up the problem seriously. Manufacturers of contaminated and unauthentic soft drinks, juices and mineral water use untreated tap water, which is not fit for drinking.

Majority of manufacturers of such drinks purchase used bottles of soft drinks and mineral water, which the consumers throw in garbage. These bottles are collected by garbage collectors to sell to the manufacturers of unauthentic soft drinks. These bottles include both disposable plastic bottles and glass bottles.

The manufacturers of adulterated and fake drinks use hazardous food colours and chemicals for establishing the taste and colour of their products.

These food colours in unauthentic soft drinks, juices and bottled water are very dangerous for health as it can cause hepatitis, stomach diseases and typhoid, especially in children.

The drink of this kind is easily identifiable by users. Consumers are advised to puncture plastic bottles of soft drinks, juices or mineral water so that these cannot be reused.

The food departments should take strict action against unlawful activities and must ban them.

ASIM HUSSAIN
Faisalabad