News Releases

Statement by ABA President and CEO Susan Neely in Response to the Center for Science in the Public Interest Call for Health Notices on Soft Drinks

CONTACT:     

Kathleen Dezio
(202) 463-6772
kdezio@ameribev.org

Tracey Halliday
(202) 463-6705
thalliday@ameribev.org

Complex health problems deserve meaningful solutions  Proposal flies in the face of common sense and consumer sensibility

Current labels already provide key information

“Obesity and diabetes are serious health problems in the U.S. that deserve meaningful and effective interventions, not the shallow gestures advocated today. Current Nutrition Facts Panels and labels on soft drinks already provide consumers with key information they need to make the beverage choices that are right for them, including information on calories, sugar, caffeine, sodium, and other contents.

To ask the FDA for warning labels on soft drinks, or any food products that contain caloric sweeteners, patronizes consumers and lacks common sense. Where would such a food “hit list” stop? Even skim milk and thousands of other food products could potentially fit into a CSPI labeling scheme because of the sugars contained in those products.

Contrary to CSPI’s assertion, American consumers are taking advantage of the many beverage options available today. In fact, consumption of soft drinks actually has declined. According to the Beverage Digest 2005 Fact Book, the average American consumed 18 (12-ounce) cans less in 2004 than they did in 1998. And Beverage Digest reports that calorie consumption per beverage serving has declined 16 percent during the same period due to an increase in bottled water and diet soft drink consumption and a decrease in full-calorie soft drink consumption. America’s beverage manufacturers and distributors are working hard to do their part to help solve America’s obesity challenge by:

• offering an ever-increasing range of products so consumers can choose the beverage right for them or their children at any given time, including zero-calorie and low-calorie soft drinks, as well as caffeine-free products, bottled water, juices, sports drinks and other products;
• offering a variety of package sizes for many products;
• rolling out dual labeling panels on 20-ounce soft drinks, providing consumers nutrition information by both serving and package size; and
• investing millions of dollars in physical fitness initiatives to encourage people to be more active.

Soft drinks are a refreshing and enjoyable beverage to be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced approach to life. Warning labels designed by CSPI will unnecessarily confuse consumers without providing helpful nutritional information. Individuals, not the government, are in the best position to make the food and beverage choices that are right for them.” 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.

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