Should Michigan Adopt NYC's Big Soda Ban?
DETROIT (WWJ) - Smaller sodas are on tap in the Big Apple.
As part of the battle against obesity, New York City Health Department has passed a rule banning sales of large sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants and movie theaters. There is now a 16-ounce size limit on cups and bottles of non-diet soda, sweetened teas and other calorie-packed beverages.
Would a ban like this make sense in Michigan? WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Bethany Thayer of Henry Ford Health Systems.
"We don't have any research yet to see is a ban such as this is going to be effective," said Thayer. "So, I would say maybe we ... wait and see how this works out for New York and see if that's something we should consider here."
Thayer said, however, it's always good to pay attention to portion size. "By limiting the portion size, what it does do is it helps us, you know, get some awareness so that you can go and get another serving, but you have to stop and think -- do I really need that second serving?"
Thayer said Michiganders, as individuals, can take it upon themselves to look for their own ways to cut calories.
One soft drink industry-sponsored group says they're considering a lawsuit.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the big drink ban "will help save lives." He said health-related problems stemming from obesity cost the city about $4 billion a year. (Get more on this from CBSNewYork at this link.)
