Word for Word: Firm rebuttals from makers of soft drink

By CHUCK MURPHY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 17, 2001

From a press kit mailed to education reporters by the National Soft Drink Association.

The placement of soda machines on school campuses has provided big money to schools -- and soda companies. But some school districts have banned the machines in response to dietitians' concerns about the health consequences for students who drink sugar-filled sodas.

Now the soda industry is fighting back.

-- CHUCK MURPHY, Times staff writer

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) counsels that there are no "good foods" or "bad foods," just good diets and bad diets. In addition, ADA says all foods have a place in a balanced diet.

Opponents to beverage sales in schools base their objections on their own allegations that consumption of soft drinks and other foods of minimal nutritional value is causing obesity and other health problems. In addition, they allege other health and nutrition problems arising from caffeine, phosphoric acid, artificial sweeteners and other ingredients in soft drinks. Nothing could be further from the truth.

A growing body of scientific evidence from academic institutions such as Georgetown University, Michigan State and the University of Michigan show that soft drinks do not cause pediatric obesity, do not reduce nutrient intake and do not cause dental cavities in children. Simply stated, soft drinks are a refreshing beverage that make no nutritional claims, but that are also not the cause of health problems as part of a balanced diet.

For the record, the Georgetown University study was paid for by the National Soft Drink Association. The Michigan State University study was presented alongside the Georgetown study, though its funding source could not be determined.

As for the University of Michigan study, what it actually said was: "It's possible that the effects of consuming sugared soda are cumulative. Maybe just a few years isn't going to do it, but if habits develop when people are young, you may see an effect over a longer period. Another possible explanation is that fluoridated drinking water has helped reduce the effects of sugared soft drinks."

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