News Releases & Statements

American Beverage Association Responds to Latest Study on Soda Taxes

In response to a study by researchers at Duke-National University of Singapore, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, the American Beverage Association issued the following statement:

"We agree with the authors that taxes do not make people healthier. Making smart, educated decisions about diet and exercise does that. This study is the latest in the compendium of science to reaffirm that new taxes will not have an impact on a complex issue like obesity and they will not teach children about healthy lifestyles or change their behavior.

Taxpayers see these taxes for what this study confirms that they are: a money grab to pay for a government that is already too expensive and too involved in their personal lives. A tax on common grocery items like beverages is, as the authors state, regressive and disproportionately hurts the most those who can least afford it.

Importantly, Americans are sending a consistent, resounding message against these discriminatory taxes on beverages, making it clear that they are able to make their own decisions about what to eat or drink without government help."

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.