The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Coke is out and orange juice is in. The Canadian beverage industry is taking a proactive approach to health concerns by removing carbonated beverages from elementary and junior high school vending machines. As of September, at least half of the beverage selections in the machines will be water or 100 per cent fruit juices. The remaining selections will be a variety of other non-carbonated beverages such as juice and sports drinks. "This is a positive step in dealing with the very serious problem of obesity among children," Edmonton's Dr. Harold Lomax told the media. "Most people aren't aware of just high much sugar there are in sodas." Beverage manufacturers have been working with schools and school boards for some time to ensure that appropriate beverage choices are available to students. Calla Farn, Director of Public Affairs for Refreshments Canada, an industry association that represents more than 35 brands of non-alcoholic refreshment beverages, said the move follows consultations with educators, governments, parents, nutritionists, and others. "While all our beverages are appropriate for people of all ages, the key, as in everything we eat and drink, is moderation and balance," she said in a statement. "Young children often need parents or guardians to help them make the appropriate food and beverage choices." Farn said that the beverage industry shares growing concerns about children's health and wants to be part of the solution. She noted that increased nutrition education and physical activity are key to improving the health of all Canadians, including children. The beverage industry is currently developing guidelines that will result in other changes in elementary schools. Under these guidelines, companies will also change the front panels of vending machines to feature non-carbonated beverages and healthy, active lifestyle images, and will restrict promotional activity in elementary schools.
