The Soda Ban

On Sept. 13, at New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s urging, New York City’s Board of Health approved what’s believed to be a first-of-its-kind ban on the sale of supersized sugary beverages. In six months, if there’s no lawsuit filed to block it, containers of Coke, Pepsi and sugar-laden flavored drinks larger than 16 ounces will be outlawed at restaurants, movie theaters, food carts and sports arenas. Business violators would be subject to a $200 fine.
This ban doesn’t stop someone from buying two 16-ounce cups or bottles of soda. Nor does it apply to convenience stores or grocery stores. And, of course, New Yorkers are free to drink however much they want at home.
It is said that at worst, the new soda ban will inconvenience some hard-core soda drinkers. However, my contention is whether or not this is the right way to approach the war on obesity? Critics contend that this ban is an assault on our freedom to choose. I have mixed feelings on the subject. Does the ban on large beverages and the previous Bloomberg-inspired ban on trans fats lead to a ban on the number of hamburgers one can purchase at the same time?
Last week, the American Dental Association (ADA) gave a thumbs-up to Mayor Bloomberg’s initiative. ADA president, Dr. William Calnon said, “Health professionals, including dentists, have long stressed the importance of a healthy diet; yet obesity and lack of exercise — associated with chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension remain high.”
On the ban itself Dr. Calnon said, “When it comes to a ban related to a particular food or beverage, is a stick rather than a carrot approach the best way to get people to adopt healthier diets? Perhaps not, but the attention alone that the mayor’s ban has generated on this issue is certainly a huge step in the right direction.” Dr. Calnon seems to believe that the attention to the subject is worth more than methodology. Most of us are aware that super-sizing anything is probably not in the best interest of our health. If we ban certain food products to fight obesity, should we make exercise mandatory?
As with any lifestyle choice, the lessons need to start early in the home. What we choose to buy in the grocery store to provide for our families on a consistent basis is the backbone of the impressions our children get, which will help them make better choices on their own. Our children need to grow-up in an environment where we respect what we put in our own bodies and take care of ourselves with exercise. It seems to me that banning or limiting what can be purchased is an attempt to make up for the lack of discipline in the home. But, will that work?
Is the limitation of allowing smoking in public places the reason for a decrease in smoking? Smoking in public places puts others at risk and is the main reason, but smoking in general has decreased because of the increased awareness of health risks. Does the ability to buy a 32-ounce soda have a direct effect on anyone surrounding the person buying it?
I’m all for increased awareness of what science has shown is good or not good for us. Armed with that information, we have the personal responsibility to make choices that we feel are right for us as individuals.