Soda cuts in US schools

The US soft drinks industry has dramatically cut the number of high-calorie sodas sold in US schools as part of a drive to tackle obesity.



According to The American Beverage Association, shipments of full-calorie drinks to schools are down 95 per cent.



Nearly one in three children and teenagers in the US is overweight or obese and health experts say sugary drinks are part of the problem.



As a result, several US states and cities are considering taxing soft drinks.



The reduction in sugary soft drinks in schools formed part of a deal between the major companies and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation.



Under the voluntary guidelines in place since 2006, full-calorie soft drinks were removed from school canteens and vending machines.



Lighter drinks, including low-fat milk, diet sodas, juices, flavoured waters and teas were promoted instead.