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Some health experts think Mayor Bloomberg’s plan could go even further in targeting unhealthy portion sizes.
Why stop at soda, Mr. Mayor?
Health experts tasked with deciding the fate of Bloomberg’s supersized soda ban praised the plan Tuesday — and even questioned why it doesn’t go further to nix oversized juices, milk shakes and Hizzoner’s favorite snack — popcorn.
“Popcorn isn’t a whole lot better from the nutritional point of view than soda is, and may have even more calories,” said Dr. Bruce Vladeck, a member of the city’s Board of Health, at a meeting in Long Island City, Queens.
Vladeck and the 11 other members of the Board of Health voted to approve holding a public hearing on the ban next month.
The hearing is slated for July 24.
A final vote on the plan to restrict sugary drinks over 16 ounces in restaurants, movie theaters and sports arenas is expected to take place in September.
If the board green-lights the proposal, it would go into effect in March 2013.
Before the unanimous vote Tuesday, some board members suggested they’d be in favor of an even more expansive ban.
“I just want to second the concerns about excluding juice, even 100% juice, and milk-containing beverages . . . that have monstrous amounts of calories in them,” said Dr. Joel Forman.
“I’m not so sure what the rationale is not to include those.”
Earlier, city Assistant Health Commissioner Susan Kansagra extolled the virtues of the proposed ban in a PowerPoint presentation.
Kansagra noted that the city’s obesity crisis has hit epidemic levels, leading to 5,800 deaths a year and costing taxpayers $4 billion annually.
“Sugary drinks are the largest source of added sugars to our diet,” Kansagra said.
Pressed to explain why the ban doesn’t include milk and coffee-based drinks, Kansagra said those beverages — unlike soda — have nutritional benefits and are more satiating.
Several board members — all of whom are appointed by the mayor — signaled strong support for the measure, with only a couple voicing serious concerns.
Dr. Sixto Caro said he’s worried about the economic impact the proposal would have on small businesses and low-income New Yorkers.
“We are targeting the low-income small business rather than the big company,” Caro said.
Andrew Moesel, spokesman for the New York Restaurant Association, blasted the proposal after sitting through the hearing.
“We don’t know if next it’ll be 16 fries on a plate or only one hot dog a day,” said Moesel, adding that his group is considering legal action.
