Soft Drink Companies to Remove Sweet Products From Schools

May 10, 2006 -- The United States' three largest soft-drink companies have agreed to begin removing sweetened drinks, such as Coke, Pepsi, and iced tea, from schools -- a move that will affect about 35 million public school children. Another 15 million students attend schools that already regulate these products.

Only bottled water, low-fat and nonfat milk, and 100 percent fruit juices in servings no larger than 8 ounces will be sold in elementary schools and 10-ounce servings in middle schools. In high schools, low-calorie diet sodas, juice drinks, and sports drinks will be available with a maximum 12-ounce serving size. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo Inc., and Cadbury Schweppes, which together control more than 90 percent of school soft-drink sales, voluntarily agreed to these guidelines.

The Institute of Medicine report Food Marketing to Children and Youth: Threat or Opportunity? recommends that food and beverage companies use creativity, resources, and a full range of marketing practices to promote and support more healthful diets for children and teenagers. Another recommendation calls for state and local educational authorities, with support from parents, health authorities, and other stakeholders, to develop and implement nutrition standards for foods and beverages that compete with federally reimbursed meals, including products sold in school stores and vending machines or for fundraising. Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance also called for nutritional standards for all foods and beverages served on school grounds, including those from vending machines.

• Food Marketing to Children and Youth: Threat or Opportunity? (2006)
• Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance (2005)

• Alliance for a Healthier Generation Press Release