Supposed Withdrawal of Coke & Other Sodas from Schools Nothing But Industry PR?
DESPITE BIG SODA PR, COMPANIES WON'T BE LEAVING SCHOOLS
Last week, big soda producers like Coca-Cola and Pepsi sucked up volumes of positive press after announcing that they were removing soda pop from U.S. schools. The beverage companies seemed to be finally responding to pressure from parents across the nation concerned about junk foods and beverages in schools and childhood obesity. A closer look at the actual statements of the soda giants, however, reveals that no actual implementation of these policies is planned. In fact, according to the American Beverage Association, an industry trade group representing soda companies, the so-called new policy is completely voluntary, and first requires that individual school districts actually request to have soda machines removed. Susan Neely, president of the American Beverage Association said: "This is a voluntary policy, but I think schools will want to follow it." Because school districts already have the power to add or remove vending machines from schools, last week's policy announcement from the soda industry amounts to nothing more than another deceptive, albeit clever PR campaign.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_404.cfm
Last week, big soda producers like Coca-Cola and Pepsi sucked up volumes of positive press after announcing that they were removing soda pop from U.S. schools. The beverage companies seemed to be finally responding to pressure from parents across the nation concerned about junk foods and beverages in schools and childhood obesity. A closer look at the actual statements of the soda giants, however, reveals that no actual implementation of these policies is planned. In fact, according to the American Beverage Association, an industry trade group representing soda companies, the so-called new policy is completely voluntary, and first requires that individual school districts actually request to have soda machines removed. Susan Neely, president of the American Beverage Association said: "This is a voluntary policy, but I think schools will want to follow it." Because school districts already have the power to add or remove vending machines from schools, last week's policy announcement from the soda industry amounts to nothing more than another deceptive, albeit clever PR campaign.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_404.cfm
rudkla - 10. Mai, 22:37
