Describing the manner in which the government has dealt with the early warning sounded by CSE, as "irresponsible", PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Secretary General, Bibek Debroy said the latest revelation by the NGO raises some fundamental questions on the food safety in this country.

"CSE has again found that pesticide residue content in soft drinks is far higher than Indian as well as international standards. The Joint Parliamentary Committee had asked the cola companies to raise quality. What is alarming is that no remedial measures have been taken," Debroy said.

Reacting to allegations against soft drink manufacturers for evidence of pesticide in their produce, Anil Agarwal, president, Assocham said that all manufacturers must adhere to international norms for making soft drinks.

"Health is of prime concern to each citizen and therefore the allegations that go against soft drink manufacturers should be examined by the government in all seriousness," he said.

Pesticide cocktail in Coke, Pepsi