The South Asian: No Coke, Pepsi in US Schools

May 07, 2006

No Coke, Pepsi in US Schools

With increasing obesity among children in the US, the American Heart Association and William J. Clinton Foundation brokered a deal to end sales and distribution of almost all ï¿½Soft Drinksï¿½ in elementary and middle schools. When will this happen in India?

All sugary, calorific drinks will be removed from vending machines and cafeterias around the USA and will not be sold or distributed at school or after school events. The implementation of this deal rests with each school district and the contracts they have with the soft drinks manufacturers.

Industry giants Cadbury Schweppes PLC, Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo Inc. and the American Beverages Association have signed on. Officials said they hope companies representing the other 13 percent of the market would follow suit. Under the agreement, the companies also have agreed to sell only water, unsweetened juice and low-fat milks to elementary and middle schools. Diet sodas would be sold only to high schools.

Already, laws were in different stages of being passed in over two dozen states in the US limiting sales of such beverages in schools. Facing significant pressure, the beverage companies have taken the ï¿½high roadï¿½ of ï¿½accountability and responsibilityï¿½ to their consumers ï¿½ the ABA reported.

However, experts following this market ï¿½ for example the editors of Beverage Digest ï¿½ believe that this agreement would have no impact on these companies or the $63 billion market. It is also important to bear in mind that these companies also distribute bottled water and unsweetened juices that will now fill vending machines in schools.

Yet, it is important to note that while former President Clinton lauded this contract and said that this was necessary given the increasing obesity among youth, what stayed unsaid was that these drinks were directly responsible for the obesity of youth.

If that is the case, is obesity bad only for children in the USA? Or will these companies recognize their responsibility to consumers in other parts of the world as well?

And will the Indian lawmakers have the will to extend the ban on these beverages beyond the parliament building and into schools?

Posted by collective at May 07, 2006 08:28 PM

Comments

Friends,

The so called elite of this country should hang their heads in shame. For the past few years villagers in different corners of the country are agitating against the activities of Coca Cola and yet the rich and the powerful sip this drink at parties and appear on Page 3.

Amir Khan made a great issue about his love for the victimised in the Narbada issue but has maintained silence on his support to Coca Cola. Within days of appearing as a well wisher of the poor and hogging the limelight for his film he was bacxk as the Coca Cola ambassador in a new ad film.

I would like to draw attention of our statrs to take the example of Hollywood stars who have earned worldwide fame for their social activities. Recently an American actor was named among the 15 people who has brought praise to America.

All the world over, even in China, people are making corporates become more consumer friendly by making sure that companies follow people friendly policies. We need to do this in India in a big way. Along with Corporates we should also make out stars realise that we are watching their anti people activities. People should boycott films of stars who are endorsing products of companies who do not care for the wishes of the people

It is a matter of shame for us Indians that young people in the United states are fighting our battle for us.

suresh kr pramar

Posted by: suresh pramar on July 5, 2006 08:32 PM

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