NEW DELHI, India ? The state of Kerala halted the sale and production of Coke, Pepsi, Sprite and other soft drinks made by the Indian subsidiaries of Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo Inc., an official said Wednesday.

Four Indian states have already banned the sale of Coke, Pepsi and other soft drinks at schools, colleges and government offices after a research group in New Delhi last week claimed they contained high levels of pesticide residue. But Kerala was the first to impose a total ban on production and sales.

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. beverages account for nearly 80 percent of India’s $2 billion-plus soft drinks market.