States taking sides on NYC sugary soda restrictions

A plan by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to limit the sale of large sugary drinks is being met by apprehension by the food industry as other states' leaders consider what example the restrictions could provide for them.

Reuters: Coke, McDonald's Slam New York City Bid To Ban Big Soda Cups
Coca-Cola Co and McDonald's Corp slammed Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed ban on large soft drinks in New York City, arguing for freedom of choice and saying it would not effectively curb obesity. "New Yorkers expect and deserve better than this. They can make their own choices about the beverages they purchase," Coca-Cola said in a statement on Thursday (Geller, 5/31).

The Associated Press: NYC Soda Ban Another Blow For Drink Makers
Is the Big Gulp to blame for obesity in the Big Apple? New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg thinks so. But Bloomberg's proposal Thursday that the city prohibit restaurants, delis and movie theaters from serving large cups of sodas and other sugary drinks is a bitter twist for companies that make beverages like Coke, Dr Pepper and Pepsi. The ban, which would be the first of its kind in the nation, comes at a time when soda consumption has been declining (Choi, 5/31).

MedPage Today: Bloomberg Wants Super-Sized Soda Ban in NYC
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to put the lid on super-sized sugary drinks. The mayor announced plans to cap the size of sodas and other sugary drinks that can be sold at city restaurants, movie theaters, and stadiums at 16 fluid ounces -- about the size of a "Grande" drink from Starbucks, and smaller than the typical 20-oz bottles in which sodas are sold (Fiore, 5/31).

NewsHour (Video): Bloomberg Could Buy The World A Coke, But He'd Make It A Small
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Thursday his aim to ban the sale of large, sugary drinks at restaurants, movie theaters, sports venues and street carts to help fight obesity. Judy Woodruff speaks with New York Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley and Andrew Moesel of the New York State Restaurant Association (5/31).

Other leaders are considering what it means for similar efforts to curb obesity in their states --

Baltimore Sun: Md. Leaders Watching New York's Ban Of Large Soda Containers
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will remain focused on a controversial plan to increase the tax from 2 to 5 cents on sugary drinks and alcohol. It was meant to generate millions in public school construction funds, but was formulated with health effects in mind, said Ryan O'Doherty, her spokesman. "The mayor's proposal encourages healthy choices because the tax completely exempts milk and dairy substitute containers and beverage containers with at least 10 percent juice contents," he said. But he added, "Congratulations to Mayor Bloomberg for standing-up to the big, powerful beverage industry on behalf of city youth" (Cohn, 5/31).

Des Moines Register: Gulp! Iowa Gives New York City Soda Plan Chilly Reception
Relax, Iowa pop guzzlers. Your state is unlikely to follow New York City's lead and try to impound your Big Gulps. … Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad shares Bloomberg's concern about Americans' ballooning waistlines, and he's pushing hard to make our state the healthiest. But he's not about to seize anybody's super-sized soda. If the only physician you see regularly is Dr Pepper, that will remain your right (Leys and Eller, 6/1).