Coke And Frucor Decision Tough, But Responsible

Heather Roy Monday, 11 December 2006 Press Releases - Health

ACT Health Spokesman Heather Roy says that today's announcement by Coca- Cola Amatil and Frucor that they will withdraw full sugar drinks from schools has been reached at the point of a regulatory gun.

"Coca-Cola and Frucor have made the tough decision to voluntarily remove their products from sale at schools, but that doesn't replace parental responsibility for what their children eat and drink. Good on Coca-Cola and Frucor for being pro-active, but without changes in lifestyle, today's announcement is likely to have little discernable impact on obesity", Mrs Roy said.

"Coca-Cola and Frucor have successfully found a co-operative solution, but individual schools, through their elected Boards of Trustees, should be the ones making the decisions - not the government on their behalf.

"This Labour government has a track record of whacking successful businesses, and it's not hard to see that food producers will be next on the ‘food police' hitlist.

"Although diet is a contributing factor to obesity, real solutions lie in people freely choosing to adopt a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet and exercising. Children are obviously unlikely to make these choices themselves, which makes parental responsibility all the more important.

"Governments cannot force people to live healthy lifestyles - all they can do is let us make our own choices. It's the role of parents to educate their children about what they should eat and drink.

"Everyone knows that sugar and fatty foods should be consumed in strict moderation. No amount of regulation will make people eat properly, or kick them off the couch.

"The biggest contributor to childhood obesity isn't food or drink, but a sedentary lifestyle. At least today's announcement is likely to make many school children walk to the dairy to buy their favourite soft drink", Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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