NJ schools consider stopping junk food

[Cleric xtx]

Elementary and middle schools would be prohibited from selling soda and junk food under measures approved Monday by a state Senate panel aimed at combatting childhood obesity. The bills aim to restrict the amount of sugar, fat and salt children consume, at least during the school day.

 

Similar proposals have been introduced in at least 17 states this year. Policies are on the books in a few states, including California and Arkansas, while a proposal in Connecticut would extend the ban to high schools.

 

The federal Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta report a rapid rise in childhood obesity, which puts children at higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and some cancers later in life.

 

The N.J. legislation would prohibit public school vending machines from stocking items that lists sugar as its first ingredient, or anything that has more than 8 grams of total fat, except nuts and seeds. The ban would be in effect until 30 minutes after schools closed for the day. The measures also require that vending machines in high schools be stocked with at least one healthy snack.

 

Robert Earl, senior director for nutrition policy at the Food Products Association, a food and beverage industry trade association, believes the restrictive approach that states are taking will not improve children's health.

 

Someone who's for the measures, and not part of a food and beverage industry trade association, said easy access to junk food exposes children to a litany of life-threatening diseases.

 

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