Consumers Not Sold on Taxing, Limiting Soft Drinks: ABA

Despite measures undertaken by various municipalities across the United States, most notoriously – and unsuccessfully -- in New York City, almost two-thirds of Americans are against additional taxes on soft drinks and about 75 percent oppose limiting the types or amounts of food and drinks people can buy, the American Beverage Association (ABA) said, citing a number of recent independent public polls.

Instead, the Washington, D.C.-based trade group advocates what it calls “real solutions” to the health issues associated with sugary beverages, including “more choices, smaller portions, fewer calories and clear calorie labels,” as an association website lays out.

According to ABA: “If we want to get serious about obesity, it starts with education – not laws and regulation. Politicians should focus on what matters most – education, jobs and the economy – and leave the grocery shopping to us.”

Warning Labels Proposed

On the legislative front, California State Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) introduced a bill earlier this month that would require safety warning labels on sugary drinks sold in the state. The legislation is backed by various California health advocacy groups.

In response, statewide nonalcoholic beverage industry group CalBev  told Progressive Grocer that “it is misleading to suggest that soft drink consumption is uniquely responsible for weight gain.”