NCL applauds NYC ban on oversized sugary beverages – National Consumers League
September 13, 2012
Contact: Carol McKay, NCL Communications, (412) 945-3242, carolm@nclnet.org
Washington, DC–The National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s oldest consumer advocacy organization, applauds the New York City Board of Health for its decision, announced today, to approve Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal to limit the sale of sugary beverages over 16 ounces.
“This decision is a great step forward for public health,” said Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League. “By placing limits on the sale of large beverages, Mayor Bloomberg and the city of New York are promoting healthier habits. America has been plagued in recent years by oversized portions which result in expanding waistlines and negative health outcomes. In a nation where two-thirds of American adults and one-third American children are either overweight or obese, we encourage other leaders to adopt similar creative strategies to combat this growing health epidemic.”
The measure, which was introduced earlier this year by Mayor Bloomberg, would limit the sale of sweetened beverages over 16 ounces at establishments, such as restaurants, which are monitored by the City Board of Health. Members of the public health community, including Sally Greenberg, testified before the board in July in support of the measure. Advocates pointed out that sweetened beverages are the single-largest source of calories in the American diet.
“The decision to support the Mayor’s proposal shows the Board of Health’s clear commitment to New York City’s wellbeing,” added Greenberg. “It is a courageous step in the fight against high obesity rates. We hope that other cities will follow New York’s lead and enact limits on the sale of sugary beverages.”
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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.
