New Delhi: Lambasting the cola manufacturers for not offering enough options to the Indian consumers in terms of non-caffeine soft drinks, a Parliamentary panel has asked Government to reduce the present permissible limit for caffeine in such drinks.

In its report, the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee), probing allegations of pesticides in beverages, has asked Government to reduce the present limit of 200 parts per million (ppm) caffeine in carbonated drinks while wondering at the soft drink manufacturers' reluctance to offer more non-caffeine options in India.

Noting that soft drink companies are selling non-caffeinated soft drinks in every country along with the caffeinated ones, the JPC said production of non-caffeinated soft drinks in India was restricted to just three brands - Limca, Sprite and Mazza.

"Though the soft drink manufacturers have stated that more non-caffeinated products can be made available in the country, provided there is a demand from consumers, the committee desired at least an option should be made available to consumers to choose between the two," the panel said in its report.

It said the JPC has asked the concerned ministry to consider bringing down "the present limit of 200 ppm in carbonated beverages as prescribed under Prevention of Food Adulteration Act."