CSPI Urges Health Labels for Sugary Sodas

Should sugary sodas require warning labels just like cigarettes do?

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require rotating health notices on non-diet soft drinks that contain more than 13 grams of refined sugars per 12 ounces. (The typical soda has 40 grams of sugars.)

While I applaud the concept, I just don't think it's realistic to expect that the soda industry -- known for its intense, effective lobbying -- would stand by idly to let this labeling go into effect.

The messages, CSPI urged, should tell kids:

-  To drink less (non-diet) soda to prevent weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems. (I'd like to see this "non-diet" mention completely removed; diet sodas could trigger weight gain and other health problems, according to some recent studies).

- To drink diet sodas or water to protect your waistline and health. (Again, I find fault with telling kids to drink no-calorie, aspartame-containing or sucralose-filled soft drinks, which could be quite harmful.)

- That drinking soft drinks instead of milk or calcium-fortified beverages may increase your risk of brittle bones (osteoporosis).

- That caffeine is a mildly addictive stimulant drug" that's not suitable for children.

In making the announcement, the group noted that teens are drining more high-calorie soft drinks than ever. CSPI also cited new analysis of 1999-2002 government data, showing that teens who drink soft drinks consume three 12-ounce cans a day, and girls drink more than two cans.

Of course, the American Beverage Association (formerly called the National Soft Drink Association) expectedly came down hard on the CSPI recommendation. The group claimed that health notices on soft drinks patronize consumers and lack common sense. Besides, the organization argued, soft drink consumption has declined.

"Soft drinks are a refreshing and enjoyable beverage to be consumed on moderation as part of a balanced approach to life," president of the group, Susan Neely, argued.

Oh p-l-e-a-s-e. Soft drinks are full of empty calories, no nutritive value, and numerous studies show they lead to weight gain.

Besides, what's the matter with water?

Comments

[Myra]

Of course the soft drink lobby will not sit idly by and let soft drink labeling legislation easily pass, but does that mean we shouldn't try? I don't think so. Other controversial legislation has eventually been passed despite fights from influential lobbies. If the fight is worth it -- and I think this one is -- then let's start fighting. The only way to change the world is to fight for change.