Seattle renews school soda pact, faces lawsuit

Nation's Restaurant News, July 28, 2003

SEATTLE -- Despite protests from activists opposed to the sale of high-sugar, high-fat snacks and beverages to students, the Seattle School Board renewed its exclusive beverage contract with Coca-Cola for five years but imposed several new conditions related to the dietary debate.

The board voted 4-3 to renew the pact with the condition that Coke reserve three slots in each vending machine for bottled water and 100-percent fruit juice -- products that Coke supplies. Another reported condition is that the contract be reviewed in one year and be subject to change by the board without Coke's consent; the board reportedly also voted to ban vending in middle schools during class hours and in high schools during lunch hour.

George Washington University law professor John F. Banzhaf III, who helps lead a coalition that is threatening to sue fast-food chains over the obesity issue, said the new Seattle contract fails to address health concerns, and a lawsuit may be filed, the Associated Press reported. It said the pact is expected to net the district $345,000 next school year for student programs.

Coca-Cola could not be reached for comment by presstime.