In case you missed it, American Beverage Association President and CEO Susan Neely has a piece in The Hill which clears up some of the misinformation that’s often spread about our industry and products.  Neely states:

“It is important to understand that the obesity epidemic problem was not uniquely caused by soda and certainly cannot be solved by blaming soda alone.  For example, data shows that calories from soda and other sweetened beverages like teas, fruit drinks, and sports drinks, are in decline. Calories in the average American diet from added sugar in soda has declined 39 percent since 2000. Sales of full-calorie soft drinks have declined 12.5 percent from 1999 to 2010. If calories and consumption are down, and obesity is up, then how can we focus on soda as a unique driver of obesity? The answer is we cannot and should not.”

Working together with President Clinton on our national School Beverage Guidelines, our member companies voluntary removed full-calorie sodas from all schools and as a result drove a 90 percent reduction in beverage calories available in schools.  And in support of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, we placed clear calorie labels on the front of every bottle, can and pack we produce giving consumers the information they need to make the beverage decision that is best for them. In her conclusion, Neely states:

“The truth? A focus on calories alone, especially on only one source of calories, will not reduce obesity in our country. As the first lady’s program suggests, we must move, set our bodies in motion, and exercise, as well. And, just as extreme consumption of any source of calories won't help in the fight against obesity, neither will spreading extreme opinions disguised as facts.”

Check out the full article here, and let us know what you think!  We want to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter.