A just published university study has generated quite a stir in the news this month. On the one hand there is the concern about the rise in obesity in the American public linked to consumption of sugared beverages. Suggested solutions include educating consumers about nutrition and taxes on soft drinks. On the other hand there are the generous donations from major corporations with significant market share of the soft-drink industry funding consumer health programs and lobbying efforts fighting the taxation of sugared beverages. Is this smart PR or a serious conflict of interest?

ISSUE: Is the influence of soft-drink manufacturers appropriate for setting and encouraging health guidelines?

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues. For those interested in this issue, the following articles will get you started on your own research.

PRO
Alliance for a Healthier Generation and America’s Beverage Companies Start Work in the Mississippi Delta as part of Community Initiative to Help Reduce Beverage Calories Consumed (10/10/16) [link no longer available]
American Beverage Association

Six Cities Share $445,000 In Grants To Support Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs (1/21/16) [link no longer available]
American Beverage Association

Beverage Companies Respond To FDA Announcement On Nutrition Facts Panel (5/20/16) [link no longer available]
American Beverage Association

CON
Sponsorship of National Health Organizations by Two Major Soda Companies (10/10/16)
by Daniel G. Aaron BS & Michael B. Siegel, MD MPH
American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Coke, Pepsi fund health groups… but fight them too: study (10/13/16)
Medical Xpress

Soda Giants Are Likened to Big Tobacco in Report on Lobbying (10/10/16)
by Jennifer Kaplan
Bloomberg

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