New York plans to ban super-sized fizzy drinks

New York’s mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to restrict sales of large sized sugary soft drinks in public venues, a move likely to revive accusations he is creating a nanny state.

During his ten years in office, Mr Bloomberg has blocked the sale of sugary beverages from vending machines in schools, and banned artery-clogging trans-fats from restaurants and prepared foods

The move would outlaw sales drinks of 473 ml (16 oz) and over in restaurants, cinemas, stadiums and arenas.

Cups over that size at self-service fountains would also disappear, although refills will still be allowed and customers would not be prevented from buying more than one drink at a time of a medium size or lower.

The ban would apply to any drink that contains more than 25 calories per 235 ml (8 ounces), and less than 51% milk or milk substitute by volume as an ingredient, meaning Americans’ beloved milk shakes would be given a reprieve.

The move is the latest of several anti-obesity and nutrition initiatives undertaken by Mr Bloomberg to tackle the incidence of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

“Obesity is a nationwide problem, and all over the US, public health officials are wringing their hands saying, ‘Oh, this is terrible',” Mr Bloomberg told the New York Times.

“New York City is not about wringing your handsd. It’s about doing something. I think that’s what the public wants the mayor to do.”

During his ten years in office, Mr Bloomberg has blocked the sale of sugary beverages from vending machines in schools, and banned artery-clogging trans-fats from restaurants and prepared foods.

In 2008, the city required restaurant chains to display the calorie-counts of their menu items.

He has also unsuccessfully lobbied for a state soda tax and tried to stop the purchase of soft drinks with food stamps.

The move will effectively be passed by mayoral fiat, bypassing the city council and requiring only the approval of the health board that recommended it, after a three-month consultation period.

Restaurants and other outlets would have six months from the date of adoption to comply or face fines.

Stefan Friedman, spokesman for the New York City Beverage Association, accused the mayor and the health board of a misplaced fixation with sweet drinks.

"There they go again. The New York City Health Department's unhealthy obsession with attacking soft drinks is again pushing them over the top," he said.

"The city is not going to address the obesity issue by attacking soda because soda is not driving the obesity rates."

He cited national data that calories from sugar-sweetened beverages are a small and declining part of the American diet.

According to the mayor’s aides, sugary drinks are however a major cause of obesity.