Coca-Cola: Yes To More Diet Drinks, No To Marketing To Kids

Are they still avoiding a bigger issue?

After rising scrutiny in a number of growing countries amid obesity rates, the global drink giant, Coca-Cola Co., said it’s broadening low-calorie drink distribution efforts and will put clear calorie count labels on the front of its packaging around the world. 

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Photo Credit: AP

NAACP Fights Racial Unfairness of NYC Soda Limit

Rights group rebukes regulation for its sizable burden on minority-owned stores

The NAACP doesn’t want black and Latino people to be obese. But they don’t see how the benefits of New York City’s soda size limit outweigh what they’re calling an unfair burden on minority-owned businesses. Stores, delis and restaurants are subject to a limit on the size of sugary drinks they sale, under threat of $200 fines. The civil rights group’s New York state branch, along with the Hispanic Federation, are joining beverage makers and sellers to stop the city’s rule from taking effect March 12. “This sweeping regulation will no doubt burden and disproportionally impact minority-owned businesses at a time when these businesses can least afford it," the group said in court papers, adding that the city should instead focus on increasing physical education in schools. The critics of the law are expected to attend a hearing Wednesday. Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration has said the city’s rising obesity rate – about 24 percent of adults – warrants the action. (Associated Press)

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Gulp! NYC Board of Health Passes Big Soda Ban

Super-size me (not).

As widely expected, the New York City Board of Health on Thursday approved Mayor Michael Bloomberg‘s ban on sweetened drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces.

The “big soda ban” will go into effect six months from now and will affect a range of popular sweetened beverages, including energy drinks, pre-sweetened iced teas and common brands of non-diet soda. The ban will not apply to fruit juices, dairy-based drinks like milkshakes, or alcoholic beverages. Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven are exempt from the measure's gulp reducing restrictions. The soft drink industry in the United States has expressed strong opposition to the measure, concerned that the limitations will be bad for business. The ban has also been widely banned by many NYC residents. (New York Times)