LA County may ban sale of sugary soft drinks to its 748,000 students

Food & Drink Weekly, Sept 2, 2002

Carbonated soft drinks may be banned in schools in the Los Angeles County after health concerns prompted school officials to pass a measure that will phase out the sale of sugar-laden soft drinks to its 748,0000 students by 2004. In passing the bill, the Los Angeles School Board rejected opposition that the schools relied on the revenue from sales of carbonated drinks. "I find it appalling that we are discussing economics at the risk of our children's health," said board member Marlene Canter, who sponsored the measure.

However, although the act was passed unanimously, the Board also agreed on a compromise that would allow for the superintendent of schools to address the issue of lost revenue in a report to be filed six months from now.

The ban extends to the County's middle and high schools a measure already in place in the districts primary schools.

Sales of drinks such as water, milk, beverages with at least 50% fruit juice and sports drinks with less than 42 grams of sugar per 20-ounce serving are still allowed.