Originally published September 8 2005
American Academy of Pediatrics joins crusade against junk food vending machines in schools
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Because of the possible (and probable) link between the prevalence of junk food-dispensing vending machines and the rise of childhood obesity, the American Academy of Pediatrics have thrown their hat in the ring on the side of groups attempting to ban junk food in American schools, The Washington Post reports.
VENDING MACHINES have become a lucrative source of cash for many schools, dispensing soda and other high-calorie drinks that have no nutritional value to children along with millions of dollars to their schools.
For this reason, and also because sodas can promote cavities, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that "sweetened drinks" be eliminated from schools.
A growing number of jurisdictions are moving, or considering moving, to do that.
Reacting to this concern, the American Beverage Association, the industry's trade group, issued guidelines this week for member companies about soda sales in schools.
The guidelines are a modest improvement, particularly in middle schools, where under the nonbinding rules soda machines would be turned off during school hours.
For the most part, though, the guidelines don't change the status quo; they seem to be aimed more at fending off additional restrictions.
Sales of soda and other sweetened drinks would be prohibited in elementary schools; only water and 100 percent juice would be allowed.
The biggest and most welcome change would come, as noted above, in middle schools.
Unfortunately, that policy of no soft drinks during the school day wouldn't extend to high schools.
Instead, the only restriction for high schools would be a requirement that beverage vending machines set aside half their slots for healthier beverages.
In the District, soda is not permitted in vending machines for students, and, beginning this school year, only 100 percent fruit juice and water will be available.
In Montgomery County, vending machines can't sell sodas or drinks containing less than 50 percent fruit juice until after the end of the school day.
Fairfax County has prohibited soda for years, sells only water and 100 percent fruit juice to elementary schoolers, and sells only juices with a minimum of 25 percent fruit juice to middle- and high-schoolers.
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