Bill Would Ban Sugary Drinks From Kids' Menus
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Fighting childhood obesity by preventing children from drinking soda. That's the city health commissioner's plan.
Amy Yensi has a closer look at the proposal.
The bill being introduced Thursday would ban sugary drinks from kids' menus in Baltimore. Some parents are questioning whether the government is going too far.
Popping open a can of soda may become harder for kids in Maryland when they're eating out. A new bill could ban sugary drinks from children's menus or kids meals at restaurants. While kids feel they're getting punished, it's meant for their own good.
"In my practice, I've seen eight-year-olds weigh over 150 pounds. I've seen 15-year-olds who have adult onset diabetes," said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen.
Dr. Wen dopes the bill will help parents make healthier choices and help children shed pounds.
Mother of two Joy White sees both sides of the issue.
"The government doesn't have the right to tell us what to eat, they shouldn't be involved in that. But unfortunately, there are those who are not responsible enough to make good decisions for their families," said White.
The city's health commissioner tells WJZ sugary drinks are to blame for the city's staggering childhood obesity rates.
One out of every three children in Baltimore is obese or overweight, and one out of every four drinks at least one soda a day.
The statistics equally alarming across the country and sparking criticism of fast food chains. Burger King already responding to critics this week by nixing soft drinks from its kids' menu. But that doesn't change personal preference.
"It's milk and 100 percent juice for my guys. Ultimately, it should be up to the parent," said Rita Carter.
The health commissioner says she wants restaurants to charge less for healthier options.
"Currently, if a kids' meal contains soda, the parents have to pay extra for something healthy like milk. That's not the way it should be," Dr. Wen said.
This is just a proposal. The bill will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee Thursday.
Burger King follows other fast food chains McDonald's and Wendy's that have also recently introduced healthier options.
