The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has approved a bill proposing restrictions on the sale and distribution of high sugar and high caffeine beverages in Islamabad.
The Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, moved by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, proposes amendments to the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety Act, 2021, with a focus on limiting excessive sugar and caffeine consumption among children and adolescents.
Under the proposed amendments, beverages containing more than 32 milligrams of caffeine or 6 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters would be classified as high caffeine or high sugar beverages, respectively. The Islamabad Food Authority would be empowered to set maximum permissible limits, with beverages exceeding those limits potentially classified as unsafe.
The bill proposes banning the sale and distribution of such beverages in educational institutions. A first violation would carry a fine of at least Rs. 100,000, rising to Rs. 200,000 for subsequent violations. Designated officers would conduct monthly inspections of retail outlets and schools.
The proposed law would also prohibit the sale of high sugar and high caffeine beverages to people under 18. Sellers and vendors would be required to verify buyers’ ages through identity cards, with fines of Rs. 50,000 for a first violation and Rs. 100,000 for subsequent violations.
The bill also proposes working with beverage manufacturers to promote low sugar and sugar free alternatives. Manufacturers producing beverages with less than 3 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters could receive tax incentives.
Manufacturers of high sugar, high caffeine and soft drinks would also be required to display health warnings covering at least 20 percent of product labels. A first violation would result in a Rs. 500,000 fine, while repeated violations could lead to cancellation of the manufacturer’s license.
The proposed measures are aimed at regulating the availability and consumption of high sugar and high caffeine beverages and creating a safer food environment in Islamabad.
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