UPDATE 2-New York mayor seeks ban on sale of big sugary drinks - Chicago Tribune

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Reuters

12:42 a.m. CDT, May 31, 2012

(Adds details on sugary beverage consumption, background)

NEW YORK, May 30 (Reuters) - New York City Mayor Michael

Bloomberg plans to propose a far-reaching municipal ban on sales
of large-size sugary beverages by restaurants, mobile food
carts, movie theaters and delis, his administration said on
Wednesday.

A document outlining the proposal said it was aimed at
fighting an epidemic of obesity, citing public health statistics
showing that 58 percent of New York City adults and nearly 40
percent of city public school students are obese or overweight.

The proposal defines sugary drinks as beverages that are
"sweetened with sugar or another caloric sweetener that contain
more than 25 calories per 8 fluid ounces and contains less than
51 percent milk or milk substitute by volume as an ingredient."

It would impact drinks sold in containers larger than 16
ounces, but would not impact the sale of diet soda or
dairy-based drinks.

Americans consume 200 to 300 more calories every day than
they did 30 years ago, according to the Bloomberg