After writing a number of posts about how voluntary programs
by the food industry aren’t enough to curb high obesity rates in American, it
was good to see two government actions to improve the food we eat.
The New York City Board of Health voted to cap at 16 ounces the
size of soda served at restaurants and other food vendors regulated by the city.
Since soda and other sugary drinks are the largest source of
calories in the diet in this country, the action will help reduce the obesity
and the health problems it causes, the Center for Science in the Public
Interest said in a statement.
Another positive government action is the requirement that
school children will get twice the amount of vegetables and fruits in their
meals, as well as more whole grains and less salt and unhealthy fats.
Health and education groups, including the center, have
praised the updated
school meal standards, unveiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in
January. The standards set calorie maximums for the first time and lower
calorie minimums to make sure that school meals address obesity, as well as
hunger, the center said in a statement.
