If the successful lobbying by the beverage industry to stop in its tracks a tax on sodas is any indication of its power and influence, our first lady had best beware.Tomorrow, as part of her campaign on reducing childhood obesity, she will unveil her new plan for healthy-eating. It will include a ban on junk food in schools.Already, the battle is turning political-at issue, whether the federal government or a local school board should be tasked with dictating what kids can eat.The New York Times reports:
Industry opposition to the new legislation has softened in part because the Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo now sell far more than Coke and Pepsi. So instead of having to yank vending machines from schools, the companies could replace offerings with bottled water or juice.Kevin Keane, senior vice president of the American Beverage Association, said that companies had been voluntarily taking high-calorie drinks out of schools. But, he said, the industry does not favor a federal ban.
Do you think the proposed ban on junk food will go the way of the failed soda tax?Image via Superkonductor.
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