Consumer group to testify in support of Bloomberg’s soda restrictions – National Consumers League
July 24, 2012
Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org
New York, NY–Today, Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s oldest consumer advocacy organization, will testify (read remarks here) at a hearing held by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to discuss Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to limit the sale of large sugary beverages in the city.
“NCL strongly supports Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal to limit the portion size of sugary drinks,” said Greenberg. “In a nation where two-thirds of American adults and one-third American children are either overweight or obese, it is high time for leaders to enact measures to help combat the growing epidemic.“
In a move that acknowledges that sugary beverages are the single largest source of calories in the American diet, Mayor Bloomberg has proposed limits on the sale of sugary beverages over 16 ounces. “In the past, sugary beverages were consumed in relatively small portions and only as a special treat,” noted Greenberg. Today, portions may be as large as 64 ounces, a serving size that contains the equivalent of more than 50 teaspoons of sugar.
NCL applauds the Mayor’s “bold effort to place modest limits on the consumption of sugary drinks.” Greenberg’s complete remarks are available here.
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About the National Consumers League
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
