Debate bubbles over sugary drink ban

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New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's recent proposal to ban supersize soda and sugary drinks to fight obesity has triggered a debate that is largely between personal liberty and solid science.

Under Bloomberg's plan, any soda or sugary drink larger than 473ml will be forbidden in local restaurants, theaters and stadiums. Diet coke, fruit juice and dairy-based drinks will not be affected, and neither will sales of sugary drinks in supermarkets and grocery stores, which are regulated by the state.

The proposal is expected to be submitted to the New York City Board of Health in the coming days. If passed, which is highly likely given that the board's members are appointed by Bloomberg, it could take effect as early as in March 2013. Businesses that don't comply could face a $200 fine.

The proposal has come under fire in the past two weeks as restaurant owners, vendors and beverage manufacturers, politicians, consumers and columnists blasted the government for going too far. While it is no surprise for businesses to oppose the idea because it will cut their profits, the protest from individuals arises mostly from the American thinking that people should be left to make their own decision, albeit a bad one, and the government should play no role in this.

A NY1-Marist poll last week found that 53 percent of New Yorkers said the proposal is a bad idea while 42 percent like it.

To support Bloomberg's proposal, a 23-page task force report on reversing the epidemic of obesity posted on the New York City government website provides solid scientific data and analysis, yet major news organizations and opponents have so far turned a blind eye to the facts.

A separate news release on the website issued on Friday included quotes from leading doctors, health researchers, civic leaders and policymakers across the US who support Bloomberg's ban.

However, that has not prevented soft drink giants from expanding into the Chinese market. China is already Coca-Cola's third-largest market after the US and Mexico. The average Chinese now consumes 39 bottles of Coca-Cola products each year, Securities Times reported.

The obesity rate in China has grown rapidly over the past 20 years. Data from the World Health Organization shows that the national rate is below 5 percent, but the rates in some cities are greater than 20 percent. The problem has been attributed by experts largely to the intrusion of fast food, soda and sugary drinks.

It may not be long before Chinese cities are forced to follow Bloomberg's proposal. But whether this will also become a war of personal liberty over solid science might vary from country to country.

Questions:

1. What is the maximum volume of drink allowed under Bloomberg’s plan?

2. What is the fine if businesses do not comply?

3. How does China rank in Coca-Cola’s market?

Answers:

1. 473ml.

2. $200.

3. It is the third largest market.

About the broadcaster:

Emily Cheng is an editor at China Daily. She was born in Sydney, Australia and graduated from the University of Sydney with a degree in Media, English Literature and Politics. She has worked in the media industry since starting university and this is the third time she has settled abroad - she interned with a magazine in Hong Kong 2007 and studied at the University of Leeds in 2009.