Kazakhstan's Health Ministry Seeks Ban on Afghan-Made Soft Drinks

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health has proposed a ban on the import of several types of soft drinks produced in Afghanistan.

The recommendation came from the Committee for Health and Epidemiological Control, following a review of various pomegranate-flavoured sodas made in Afghanistan.

Kazakhstani media reported that the committee urged the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs to advise companies against importing pomegranate-flavoured sodas under the brands "Royal," "Paradise," "Money," "Pure," and "Golden Life”.

The committee highlighted that the labelling on these soft drink cans does not conform to the standards of the Eurasian Economic Union. Specifically, the labels lack a warning about the presence of the artificial colouring "Azorubine E122," which may adversely affect children's mental activity.

Despite these labelling concerns, the Ministry of Health found no toxic or hazardous substances in the drinks that would pose a risk to human health.

In related developments, it was reported that Kyrgyzstan banned the consumption of beverages containing the artificial colouring "Azorubine" as of July 3.