NCL Statement on Court Ruling on Sugary Drink Portion Sizing – National Consumers League
June 26, 2014
Contact: Ben Klein, National Consumers League, benk@nclnet.org, (202) 835-3323
Washington, DC–The New York State Court of Appeals today upheld a lower court ruling that regulating the portion size of sugary drinks to 16 ounces was an overstep of Board of Health’s authority. The following statement can be attributed to National Consumers League Executive Director Sally Greenberg:
The National Consumers League is disappointed in this decision. The science shows that soda and other sweetened drinks are clearly linked with diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. We heartily supported the regulation from the New York City Health Department and even traveled to New York City to testify in support. Reducing the consumption of empty calories, like those provided by sweetened drinks, should remain a priority for health departments across the country. We regret the court’s decision and look forward to the day when such health-promoting efforts by local, state, and federal governments aimed at reducing soda consumption, such as warning labels and taxes, is not stymied by the courts.
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About the National Consumers League
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Its 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.
