Fri, 21 Sep 2012

“Obesity is a serious and complex public health issue facing our nation and the rest of the world, and we all must work together to solve it. We know, and science supports, that obesity is not uniquely caused by any single food or beverage. Thus, studies and opinion pieces that focus solely on sugar-sweetened beverages, or any other single source of calories, do nothing meaningful to help address this serious issue."

Thu, 16 Aug 2012

NEW RESEARCH STUDY SHOWS A 90 PERCENT REDUCTION IN BEVERAGE CALORIES SHIPPED TO SCHOOLS SINCE 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Research published today in the American Journal of Public Health confirms that the beverage industry has successfully removed full-calorie soft drinks from schools nationwide and replaced them with lower-calorie, smaller-portion options. Through this effort, The Coca-Cola Company, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, PepsiCo and their respective bottlers have reduced beverage calories shipped to schools by a dramatic 90 percent between 2004 and the end of the 2009-2010 school year. This updated data builds on the industry’s previous 2010 announcement of its successful implementation of the School Beverage Guidelines developed with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Tue, 07 Aug 2012

“This research letter looks at beverages available in schools from all sources, including from third party providers – many of which may not follow the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s national School Beverage Guidelines. By implementing the School Beverage Guidelines in all K-12 schools they serve, ABA member companies have reduced beverage calories shipped to schools by a dramatic 88 percent between 2004 and 2010. Through the voluntary efforts of our member companies, the School Beverage Guidelines are in place across the nation and are working. We support their adoption as part of the federal regulations for competitive foods in schools to ensure students in all schools nationwide have access to the same age-appropriate choices.”

Tue, 07 Aug 2012

"It’s important to note that the series of articles in the British Medical Journal exhibited a clear bias by overlooking widely accepted research on sports drinks. Furthermore, suggesting that industry-funded nutrition-related scientific studies may bias conclusions fails to look at the merits of the science in those studies and disregards the integrity of the peer-review process enforced by the highly regarded scientific journals.

Importantly, we know hydration is essential for good health, and science clearly shows that the water, carbohydrates and electrolytes in sports drinks provide significant hydration and athletic performance benefits. Furthermore, our member companies' marketing makes it clear that these functional beverages are formulated for athletes and those who are physically active. However, sports drinks – which are available in a range of calories - can also be an option for those who are working out, training, exposed to high temperatures or simply seeking refreshment as part of an active and healthy lifestyle."

Mon, 09 Jul 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Susan K. Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association (ABA), has been named chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100.

Tue, 19 Jun 2012

“The intention of the American Medical Association to seek ways to help reduce overweight and obesity in America is an admirable goal that our industry fully supports. However, funding anti-obesity programs through discriminatory taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages is misguided. Even the AMA’s report acknowledges that sugar-sweetened beverage taxes alone are ‘unlikely to significantly impact the prevalence of obesity and other adverse outcomes.’

To be clear, the AMA’s report is not calling for taxes on soda as a solution to obesity. The body of science proves, and real world evidence demonstrates, that taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages will not have a meaningful impact on obesity. History also shows that revenues from existing soda taxes are not being used to improve public health. Americans can't trust that new taxes would be used any differently. We are committed to working with key stakeholders on comprehensive approaches that will have a lasting and meaningful impact on obesity.”

Tue, 19 Jun 2012

“There is simply no comparison between soda and tobacco – not among our products, nor our business practices. Tobacco in and of itself is harmful – in any amount; our beverages are not. They can be enjoyed as part of a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, despite the authors’ suggestions, corporate social responsibility programs are not unique to our industry. They are widely recognized and embraced by leading businesses around the globe. To suggest otherwise is not only untrue, but shines a light on the inherent bias of this opinion piece.

Tue, 15 May 2012

“We applaud HBO for producing a comprehensive documentary series that delves into the questions and concerns about obesity in America. We agree that the complexity of obesity – both causes and solutions – is a serious topic that impacts individuals and policy makers. Our industry has taken voluntary steps to be part of meaningful solutions that will have a real and lasting impact when it comes to reducing obesity in America. However, it is disappointing that HBO narrowed the viewpoints in the documentary to those of certain health activists who advocate extreme policies and perpetuate inaccuracies and falsehoods about our industry and its beverages.”

Tue, 15 May 2012

“Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages will not reduce obesity, nor will it have a truly meaningful impact on obesity-related health conditions. There is a vast body of available science to support this. For instance, a review by George Mason University researchers showed that even a 20 percent tax on soda would reduce an obese person’s Body Mass Index from 40 to 39.98 – an amount not even measurable on a bathroom scale.

Singling out one set of products in such an overly simplistic manner only undermines efforts to combat this complex issue. Consumers do not support these taxes and recognize them for what they truly are – a money grab to raise revenue.”

Tue, 08 May 2012

“Obesity is a serious public health issue facing our nation, and we all must work together to solve it. We commend the Committee for their systematic analysis and for recognizing that physical activity plays an important role in a comprehensive solution. However, advocating discriminatory policies that uniquely focus on sugar-sweetened beverages is the wrong approach. In fact, government data shows that sugar-sweetened beverages account for only 7 percent of the calories in the average American’s diet, and have been declining for more than a decade while obesity continued to rise. Focusing on a small and declining source of calories in the diet is a wrong-headed approach that distracts from meaningful solutions that promote healthier diets overall, as well as increased physical activity.