Schools to become pop-free - finally something to fight child obesity

U.S. schools to become pop-free
Last Updated Wed, 03 May 2006 11:22:57 EDT
CBC News

In an effort to combat child obesity, about 35 million
students in the United States will no longer be able to
buy regular soft drinks at school.

Major beverage distributors and anti-obesity advocates
have reached a deal, brokered by the William J. Clinton
Foundation, to restrict the selection in vending machines.

Only water, juice and low-fat milks will be sold in
elementary and middle schools.

In high schools, diet soda will still be sold, as will
unsweetened teas, sports drinks and flavoured water.

Whole milk will no longer be offered to any schools
because of its high calorie content.

The agreement should reach an estimated 87 per cent of the
school drink market, said Susan Neely, the president and
chief executive officer of the American Beverage
Association.

Along with her group, the deal's signatories include
industry giants such as Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc. and
Cadbury Schweppes PLC.