Obesity tax neglecting nutrition facts, claims drink maker

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'Obesity tax' neglecting nutrition facts, claims drink maker

By Neil Merrett, 07-Jan-2009

Related topics: Regulation

<http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Regulation> , Minerals

<http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Product-Categories/Minerals>

A manufacturer of natural sparkling soft drinks hopes to stir further

debate over a proposed 'obesity tax' on carbonated beverages in the

state of New York by pushing for greater recognition of nutritional

quality in the products.

Fizzy Lizzy, a group that supplies all natural juice-based beverages

without added sugars or corn syrups, claims that governor

's tax proposals are ignoring the issue of nutritional content.

The group therefore hopes to push amendments that would work in favour

of natural soft drinks that contain vitamins, minerals or other

nutrients.

Liz Morrill, group founder and chief operating officer, touts Fizzy

Lizzy

<http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/content/search?SearchText=Fizzy+Liz

zy> as a company battling with the beverage 'big boys', though now

hopes to get the attention of the New York State Assembly in protest at

a tax she claims is 'irrational' in its focus.

Obesity tax

Governor and a number of health groups believe sugary products

are a significant contributor to rising levels of childhood obesity in

the US as well as in other global markets.

Citing Harvard University research, argues that for both

adults and children alike, consuming sugary and carbonated soft drinks

everyday can increase the risk of obesity.

The governor therefore believes that an 18 per cent tax rate on such

beverages could drive a five per cent decline in consumption.

Morrill says in response that the added tax would impose tariffs on

sparkling juice products and a number of other packaged beverages in New

York City of more than 26 per cent.

Carbonated concern

Using her own tangerine flavored branded beverage as an example, Morril

said that the proposals would put no charge on 100 per cent juices, yet

levy tax on Fizzy Lizzy drinks that she claims contains 100 calories and

24 grams of sugar in a 12 ounce serving.

" Even more perplexing is the fact that diet sodas get a pass but all

non-diet carbonated beverages, regardless of calorie and nutritional

content, are heavily taxed, " she stated. " Oddly, almost all

non-carbonated beverages without regard to nutritional profile get a

pass. "

As part of the protest, Morril believes that if an 'obesity tax' is to

be passed it should avoid 'mindlessly demonizing' carbonated beverages

and consider instead calories and sugars on a per ounce-basis.

S. Kalman PhD, RD, CCRC, FACN

Miami Research Associates

Director, Nutrition & Applied Clinical Research

6141 Sunset Drive #301

Miami, FL. 33143

(fax)

www.miamiresearch.com <http://www.miamiresearch.com/>