In response to “Commercialism in US Elementary and Secondary School Nutrition Environments,” a study published by JAMA Pediatrics, the American Beverage Association issued the following statement:

Statement:

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture has already developed national standards for all foods and beverages in schools that take effect in July 2014, which largely follow the voluntary guidelines implemented by our industry in 2010. These guidelines, which our industry is proud to have developed in partnership with the William J. Clinton Foundation and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, removed full-calorie soft drinks from schools and replaced them with more lower-calorie, smaller-portion beverage options. As a result of this initiative, independent, published studies showed that 90 percent fewer beverage calories were shipped to schools between 2004-2005 and 2009-10.”

Additional Background:

The School Beverage Guidelines are reflected in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) interim final rule on competitive foods and beverages sold in schools. Our industry worked with its school partners to accomplish a change in school nutrition. USDA’s interim final rule was issued in June 2013. Full compliance date of the new rule is July 1, 2014. America's beverage companies are committed to responsible advertising and marketing practices, including not directing advertising to audiences comprised predominantly of children under 12.

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.  For more information on ABA, please visit the association’s Web site at www.ameribev.org or call the ABA communications team at (202) 463-6770.

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