Bengal Govt sends soft drink samples for testing

Kolkata, Aug 8 (UNI) With a nationwide furore raging over the trace of pesticides in cold beverages, the West Bengal Government today sent samples of two multi national brands for testing following a recommendation by the ruling Left Front.

State Consumer Affairs Minister Naren De said samples of Coca Cola and Pepsi collected from dealers throughout the state had been sent to the National Testing House for a probe into the contents.

The samples were collected over the past five days by the Bureau of Indian Standard(BIS) and the state Health Department following a Government order.

The Minister said more samples would be collected and sent for testing in the laboratory.

Meanwhile, Left Front Committee Chairman Biman Basu said the ruling coalition would make suitable recommendations to the Government after the result of test was known.

'' We are waiting for the result and will take a decision only after that, '' he told reporters.

Mr Basu said earlier the Front had discussed the issue with the Government and called for testing of soft drink samples in the laboratory.

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