US fights the beverage industry

As the battle of the American Beverage Association (ABA) against New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene heightens, the request is, 'show me the science'. The department has been leading the education efforts in the fight against obesity.

Obesity and its associated chronic, non-communicable diseases is pushing up health-care costs in the United States (US), and consumer groups, health-care professionals and state governments are speaking out and taking action through public education and attempts to enact policies to reduce sugar content in beverages.

There is evidence that some areas of the food industry have tried to comply by offering healthier options, but the ABA says it is unfairly singled out and so is fighting back by making huge requests for detailed documentation on the science behind the education campaign that excess sugar from beverage contributes to obesity.

There is evidence that two of the big players in the ABA have spent US $60 million on lobbying in 2009 and 2010, to prevent the bid to tax sugary beverage companies from covering obesity cost in the US. Experts in the health field think that these numerous suits will require overburdened government staff spending hundreds of hours to answer some of these questions, and these suits will cause a lengthy legal battle, preventing the intended actions against the ABA by the states.

Too much sugar

Again consumers have to be the umpire. Who has your interest at heart? Is it that the government is groping in the dark looking for scapegoats for the obesity epidemic and persons to tax to offset the cost? Or are the members of the ABA right: your obesity has nothing to do with the pleasure you experience from their refreshing beverages?

The evidence shows that American adults consume in excess of 22 teaspoons of sugar daily, a large part of which is contributed by sweeteners in beverages. Excess calories contribute to obesity.

In Jamaica and the Caribbean, FAO statistics show that the import of sweeteners has significantly increased over the years. Non-alcoholic beverages were among the top food imported, in monetary value, to Jamaica in 2008, second only to wheat.

We are responsible for what we consume, but we are influenced by effectively designed advertisements and economical and convenient products. Is it enough to consume these beverages in moderation, or once you start, are you hooked? Is there a role here for our Ministry of Health?

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.