In an attempt to fighting the epidemic of obesity, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to propose a far-reaching municipal ban on sales of large-size sugary beverages by restaurants, mobile food carts, movie theaters and delis, his administration said on Wednesday. The document that outlines the proposal cites that a public health statistics shows that 58 percent of New York City adults and nearly 40 percent of city public school students are obese or overweight.
The proposal defines sugary drinks as beverages that are “sweetened with sugar or another caloric sweetener that contain more than 25 calories per 8 fluid ounces and contains less than 51 percent milk or milk substitute by volume as an ingredient.”
It would impact drinks sold in containers larger than 16 ounces, but would not impact the sale of diet soda or dairy-based drinks.
Bloomberg’s efforts to correct unhealthy behaviors have included a campaign to cut down on salt and a ban on trans fats in restaurant food, along with a requirement that chain restaurants display calorie counts.
The battle continues.
