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I would like to correct some of the errors and misinformation in the July 15 article titled "Stop selling pop to kids".

Obesity is a complex problem and the experts will tell you that no single food causes obesity-because the human body does not differentiate the source of calories consumed to produce energy in active people or store them as fat in inactive people. A recent study indicated that 49% of Canadians (aged 20 and older) are at least moderately active during their leisure time.  This means that a startling 51% of Canadians are inactive!

It is also important to note, that soft drinks contribute less than 2.5% of a Canadian's average daily calorie consumption and that the volume of regular (i.e. caloric) soft drinks sold in Canada has dropped over 21% from 1999 to 2008, with annual per capita consumption down from 90 litres in 1999 to 66 litres in 2008. Therefore, to single out soft drink consumption as a major contributor to obesity is not only misinformed, it is simply wrong.

The beverage industry has proactively responded to the concern over caloric intake by developing voluntary guidelines designed to provide a range of age-appropriate beverages for sale in schools while reducing the total calories of available choices.  Under those guidelines, Refreshments Canada members commit to only offering 100% juices and plain bottled water in the Canadian elementary and middle schools they directly supply.

In addition, our members made a commitment to responsible marketing to the children of Canada, as detailed in the Canadian Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, which has been in place for over two years.  Under that commitment, Refreshments Canada members will not direct advertising to children under 12.

The solution to obesity lies in encouraging healthy active lifestyles that balance calories in to calories out.  This is something the beverage industry supports and encourages by helping consumers make appropriate choices.  We do this in three ways - by providing easy access to calorie and nutrition information, promoting physical activity, and beverage innovation.

Refreshments Canada is the national trade association representing the broad spectrum of brands and companies that manufacture and distribute the majority of non-alcoholic liquid refreshment beverages consumed in Canada.
 
For more information please contact:
 
Justin Sherwood
President
Refreshments Canada

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