Consumer interest group demands health warnings on soft drinks

• The warnings are especially necessary to help counter the growing number of youth who drink soda, said the center, which has previously put out reports publicizing the health-threatening qualities of other popular foods such as ice cream and movie popcorn.
• "Parents and health officials need to recognize soft drinks for what they are -- liquid candy -- and do everything they can to return those beverages to their former role as an occasional treat," CSPI officials wrote in a related report.
• Studies show teenage boys drink about 1.5 cans of soda a day on average compared to 1 can for teenage girls, according to the group.
• Some suggested warnings included: "To help protect your waistline and your teeth, consider switching to diet sodas or water" and "Drinking too many (non-diet) soft drinks contributes to weight gain."
• The group, which has also been fighting the prevalence of soda-vending machines in U.S. schools, said new labels are needed to help counter aggressive marketing by the soda industry.
• The American Beverage Association says soft drinks can be part of a healthy diet and help keep people hydrated, citing data from the American Dietetic Association.
• "The beverage industry recognizes the need for children and adults to consume a wide variety of beverages, including milk, water, juices and sport drinks.
• And yes, there is room in that mix for soft drinks," the industry group says on its Web site.
• Some soft drink makers have also recently introduced smaller-sized bottles and cans.
• The three top beverage companies, Coca-Cola Co. , PepsiCo Inc. and Cadbury Schweppes Plc , own the 10 most popular carbonated drinks and account for about 90 percent of the industry, according to market report Beverage Digest.