The Western Central Railways has banned sale of colas including those produced by Coke and Pepsi at 300 stations falling under its jurisdiction.

"The cold drinks being sold at railway stations do not have the required certification from the health department. Till the time they get the certificate, the sale of these cold drinks has been banned," Sachin Shukla, Assistant General Manager, Western Central Railway said.

The decision to ban these cold drinks comes after Union Minister of the State (Health) Faghan Singh Kulaste in the Lok Sabha said that the drinks contain metal content like cadmium and chromium.

"The company's old permission has expired and till the time they get fresh permission, the sale of cold drinks has been banned. Also the health department is conducting test on the contents of these drinks and till the time this test report is out fresh permission to sell these cold drinks will not be given," Shukla added.

The cold drinks that have been banned include--Pepsi, Coca Cola, Sprite, 7Up and Mountain Dew.

The Western Central railways has directed officials to ensure that the sale of these cold drinks is stopped immediately.

Suppliers have been advised to recall the stock that has already been supplied to the 300 odd stations and inspections are underway.

The Western Central Railways comprises of three divisions that include Bhopal, Jabalpur and Kota.

"The Kota and Bhopal divisions have also been informed about the ban," Sachin Shukla said.

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