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| Source: Grist |
In case you haven't
heard, Mayor Bloomberg has proposed what some are referring to as a soda ban in
NYC. Bloomberg has suggested that movie theaters, restaurants, stadiums and food carts limit
soda size to 16 ounces. Bodegas and markets will continue to sell sodas of all sizes. While it's hard to
believe that 16 ounces (over a can’s worth) of soda is limiting even more alarming to me is the degree
of pushback this is receiving. Our government has decided BPAs are safe, it permits food dyes banned in other countries and has yet to notify the public when our food is genetically modified. So when someone takes food seriously and tries to enact positive change, I'm going to support it.
A little
background, half the US population over two years old consumes sugary drinks
daily and these beverages account for approximately 8% of our calorie intake.
The average male teen gets close to 20 teaspoons a day from soda. We would find
it strange if you ordered wine in a restaurant and the waiter poured the whole
bottle into your glass but this
is totally acceptable. We’ve learned from Brian Wasink’s research that intake is highly
dependent on the size of the food presented. Of course the Beverage
Association sees no problem with soda and had this to say, “It's time for serious health
professionals to move on and seek solutions that are going to actually curb
obesity. These zealous proposals just distract from the hard work that needs to
be done on this front."
Nice
attempt at passing the buck, this sounds like my children arguing, “I didn’t do it, he did it”. I’m a serious
expert, or at least an expert, who would love to get more involved as would many of my collegagues. I’ve
written about soda and sugar extensively. How about they make smallersize their
nasty (told you I wasn’t “serious”) sodas and experts can educate and discuss
why this and other ways to limit sugar is important. Obesity and simply better health needs
everyone’s cooperation. Speaking of which, the first National Soda Summit,
organized by the Center for Science in the Public Interest is being held in DC
next week,
if you’re looking to learn more that sounds like a good start.
Aside from the beverage industry, there’s also the nanny state objection-that government shouldn’t tell us what to eat. I’m sorry to say but they
already are (see image above for a little refresher) and that’s why sodas are
the size of a bottle of Clorox bleach and for many people fresh vegetables are unaffordable. The Atlantic,
in an especially whiny piece, suggested that the focus should be on access to
healthy food versus banning. How about both? Measures should be taken to increase
access to wholesome food and decrease the size of sodas, nobody is taking soda
away. The truth is, the power of the soda people may thwart Bloomberg’s plans
to have the Department of Health pass this. Talk about politics, if
I’m choosing a “nanny” I would take Bloomberg over the Beverage Association any
day. And if you think we, as a country, don't need a nanny- what do you propose?
Are you in favor of or against Bloomberg's proposal? Do you think it will pass?
Are you in favor of or against Bloomberg's proposal? Do you think it will pass?
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| love me a good infographic |
