Dear Editor:
The Missouri Beverage Association believes strongly that consumers are best equipped to make beverage decisions for themselves and their families. It is why we are opposed to the latest proposal by New York City to prevent consumers there from enjoying a large lemonade on a hot summer day or sharing a soda at a movie theater.
Public policy should be driven by facts. There is no data backing New York City's arbitrary and discriminatory decision to target beverage products larger than 16 ounces.
No city is going to address the obesity issue by attacking soda because soda is not driving the obesity rates. In fact, from 1999-2010, fullcalorie soda sales have declined 12.5 percent. Yet, obesity rates rose during this time. In addition, added sugars consumed from soda is down 39 percent since 2000, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
Our industry is doing its part by helping people find the portion size that's right for them with our Clear on Calories initiative. By placing new calorie labels on the front of every bottle, can and pack we produce, we're helping consumers - especially parents - choose the beverage that is best for them and their families.
By nearly every measure, the contribution of calories from beverages to the diet is declining, yet obesity is still rising. It's time for serious health professionals to move on and seek solutions that are going to actually curb obesity.
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