BILL WILL GIVE STATE BOARD AUTHORITY OVER SUGARY CAFFINATED DRINKS

(01/30/2008)

Authority for regulating high-calorie beverage vending machines in schools would be restored to the state Board of Education if a new bill is passed. The board would regulate as long as they follow the minimum standards of the National School Beverage Guidelines - which effectively bar the sale of "full-calorie" soft drinks in schools. "I think the Board of Education is in a better position to determine what a healthy beverage is than the Legislature," said committee chair Don Perdue, D-Wayne. Concerns have been raised that profits from the vending machines are a major source of funding for extracurricular activities at the schools. Others question whether banning soft drinks in school vending machines would have any real effect on overall consumption by students. Proponents of the legislation note that sugary soft drinks are a leading cause of childhood obesity, as well as tooth decay. "I think it's hypocrisy to tell students that you should eat good things and drink good things, and then turn around and sell them for a profit all these bad things," Perdue said. Similar legislation died in subcommittee last year.

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