12 December 2006
An agreement signed between the New Zealand government, Frucor Beverages Ltd, and the Coca-Cola Amatil (New Zealand) has secured that both full sugar fizzy drinks and energy drinks that are made by those two companies will not be sold in secondary schools coming into effect 2009. The agreement was completely voluntary and is a world first as it was directly negotiated with the companies and the government. Pete Hodgson, minister of health, said that the agreement is what can happen when both government and industries work together. "I thank Coca Cola Amatil and Frucor for their leadership on this issue," Pete Hodgson said. "Today's agreement is a major step forward for the Food Industry Accord and shows once again what can be achieved when we reach for cooperative, rather than regulatory solutions. Diet drinks will remain on sale that contain artificial sweetener, aspartame, which is toxic and far worse for the health than sugar. In 2007 the government will recommend water and low-fat milk in early childhood centres and high schools, but what kid would ever choose water or milk over a fizzy drink. |
