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WASHINGTON, July 13 (AFP) - Soda drinks are "liquid candy" for children who often guzzle up to three pops a day, a US science group warned Wednesday, demanding cigarette-style health warnings on cans.
The Center for Science in the Public Intererst warned that while adults seemed to be turning to diet soda drinks, children are drinking more full bore soda than before.
"What was once a rare treat in a small serving is now served up morning, noon and night, virtually everywhere Americans happen to be," said Michael Jacobson, CSPI's executive director.
"How did a solution of high-fructose corn syrup, water and artificial flavors come to be the default beverage?" he said.
The group cited research based on government data showing that teenage boys who drink soft drinks consume an average of three 12 ounce cans per day, while girls drink more than two cans.
Teenagers who drink soft drinks get nearly 15 percent of their total calories from the drinks, the CSPI said.
The group made the call in a petition filed with the US Food and Drug Administration asking for a series of health notices on cans of drinks containing more than 13 grams of refined sugars per 12 ounces.
Suggested messages included : "The US Government recommends that you drink less (non-diet) soda to help prevent weight gain, tooth decay and other health problems."
A second warning could read "To help protect your waistline and your teeth, consider drinking diet sodas or water."
The CSPI on Wednesday issued an updated version of its 1998 report "Liquid Candy" which found that in 2004, soda companies produced 37 gallons of carbonated non diet soda, providing 60,000 empty calories for every man, woman and child in the United States.
CSPI is a privately-funded organisation dedicated to informing the public and policymakers and to conducting research on food, alcohol, health and the environment, and to ensure science is used in the public good.
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