Latest news with #BigSoda
Cision Canada
38 minutes ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
FIFA Under Pressure to Kick Big Soda Out Amid Health Backlash
Global health leaders call foul on Coca-Cola's role in the world's game NEW YORK, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- A powerful coalition of global health experts and advocates is calling on FIFA to end its decades-long partnership with Coca-Cola, accusing the company of "sportswashing" the health harms linked to its sugary drinks. The Kick Big Soda Out campaign highlights how Coca-Cola's sponsorship directly undermines FIFA's stated commitments to health and fair play. Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, campaigners are urging immediate action to protect fans—especially children—from misleading brand associations. Kick Big Soda Out gained global momentum during the 2024 Paris Olympics, with more than 255,000 petition signatories and 93 organizations calling on the International Olympic Committee to end its Coca-Cola partnership. However, a Vital Strategies report found 78% of media coverage framed Coca-Cola's sponsorship in a favorable light, emphasizing its brand promotion, shared values or economic benefits, while only 2% of articles criticized the partnership as a primary theme—citing concerns like exploitation, health risks or unethical practices. "FIFA claims to champion health, but its deep ties with Coca-Cola say otherwise," said Trish Cotter, Vital Strategies. "By giving Coca-Cola a platform across stadiums, broadcasts and social media, FIFA is promoting a product linked to rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This is blatant 'sportswashing,' and it erodes both public health and FIFA's credibility." Now, football fans and advocates are demanding FIFA end its partnership with Coca-Cola in the second wave of Kick Big Soda Out across YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. "FIFA can choose to protect the integrity of football, rather than continue to give corporations an unparalleled opportunity to sanitize their image," said Dr. Simón Barquera, President, World Obesity Federation. "By rejecting Big Soda, FIFA can finally practice what it preaches." Kick Big Soda Out spotlights mounting global evidence associating excess sugar consumption with noncommunicable diseases. In low-income countries—where these conditions are rising at alarming rates—Big Soda aggressively markets sugary drinks to millions of consumers. "This is a decisive moment for FIFA. Big Soda advertising encourages unhealthy choices among children. Restricting marketing is essential to support children's health and wellbeing," said Carolina Piñeros, Red PaPaz. Supporters can join the movement demanding FIFA end its Coca-Cola partnership at and use #KickBigSodaOutofSport to join the conversation.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FIFA Under Pressure to Kick Big Soda Out Amid Health Backlash
Global health leaders call foul on Coca-Cola's role in the world's game NEW YORK, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- A powerful coalition of global health experts and advocates is calling on FIFA to end its decades-long partnership with Coca-Cola, accusing the company of "sportswashing" the health harms linked to its sugary drinks. The Kick Big Soda Out campaign highlights how Coca-Cola's sponsorship directly undermines FIFA's stated commitments to health and fair play. Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, campaigners are urging immediate action to protect fans—especially children—from misleading brand associations. Kick Big Soda Out gained global momentum during the 2024 Paris Olympics, with more than 255,000 petition signatories and 93 organizations calling on the International Olympic Committee to end its Coca-Cola partnership. However, a Vital Strategies report found 78% of media coverage framed Coca-Cola's sponsorship in a favorable light, emphasizing its brand promotion, shared values or economic benefits, while only 2% of articles criticized the partnership as a primary theme—citing concerns like exploitation, health risks or unethical practices. "FIFA claims to champion health, but its deep ties with Coca-Cola say otherwise," said Trish Cotter, Vital Strategies. "By giving Coca-Cola a platform across stadiums, broadcasts and social media, FIFA is promoting a product linked to rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This is blatant 'sportswashing,' and it erodes both public health and FIFA's credibility." Now, football fans and advocates are demanding FIFA end its partnership with Coca-Cola in the second wave of Kick Big Soda Out across YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. "FIFA can choose to protect the integrity of football, rather than continue to give corporations an unparalleled opportunity to sanitize their image," said Dr. Simón Barquera, President, World Obesity Federation. "By rejecting Big Soda, FIFA can finally practice what it preaches." Kick Big Soda Out spotlights mounting global evidence associating excess sugar consumption with noncommunicable diseases. In low-income countries—where these conditions are rising at alarming rates—Big Soda aggressively markets sugary drinks to millions of consumers. "This is a decisive moment for FIFA. Big Soda advertising encourages unhealthy choices among children. Restricting marketing is essential to support children's health and wellbeing," said Carolina Piñeros, Red PaPaz. Supporters can join the movement demanding FIFA end its Coca-Cola partnership at and use #KickBigSodaOutofSport to join the conversation. Media Contact: Rachel Burns, rburns@ View original content: SOURCE Vital Strategies View original content:
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
American Heart Association responds to sugary drink tax litigation in Santa Cruz
( NewMediaWire ) - May 30, 2025 - DALLAS — The American Beverage Association and allies filed a lawsuit yesterday in Sacramento Superior Court against the city of Santa Cruz, challenging the city's sugary drink tax. The two cents per fluid ounce tax on sugary beverages was approved by voters in November 2024 and went into effect May 1. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, the world's leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, issued the following statement: 'Big Soda is once again grasping at straws. 'Let's remember how we got here. Back in 2018, stung by multiple losses at the ballot box, this self-serving industry secretly cut a deal that put a 12-year moratorium on sugary drink taxes, aiming to take away the ability of California cities and citizens to raise revenue for important community priorities and to help fight heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. In 2023, the courts wisely found the penalty provision of the moratorium unconstitutional. Santa Cruz voters stood up for health and passed a sugary drink tax in November, but the beverage industry still won't accept the will of the people. 'The American Heart Association stands with the citizens of Santa Cruz and remains committed to curbing sugary drink consumption and protecting health. The beverage industry stands for profits over health and burdens consumers and taxpayers with billions in needless health care costs, illness and premature death. 'The backroom dealing was wrong in 2018 and it's wrong today. We call on Big Soda and its allies to stop with their lies and this costly litigation.' ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Shelly Hogan: 214-706-1782; [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
American Heart Association wants to reduce sugary drink consumption
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The American Heart Association (AHA) says it is standing with Indiana health officials in their efforts to reduce sugary drink consumption in the face of 'fierce opposition' by the soda industry. The AHA says it submitted a letter in support of the state's intention to apply to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval to prohibit sugary beverage purchases within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The AHA calls upon the USDA to 'quickly' grant the waiver after the state submits its application. Gov. Braun signs bill banning marijuana advertising Officials with AHA say for decades, the soda industry has opposed efforts by AHA and others to pass 'meaningful public policies' to address the overconsumption of sugary drinks. This behavior continues with the industry's opposition to removing sugary drinks from SNAP, even though sugary drinks are among the most purchased items by SNAP participants. New lawsuit challenges budget bill's changes to Indiana University's board of trustees 'The American Heart Association is committed to removing sugary drinks from SNAP, and we are proud to stand in support of Indiana's efforts to do so over the soda industry's unconscionable opposition,' Brown said. 'As an organization that has opposed Big Soda for decades, we have worked tirelessly to pass public policies that effectively reduce consumption of sugary drinks. The soda industry is using the same desperate playbook to deceive the public and undermine public policies that could benefit public health.' AHA says it is committed to the shared goal of decreasing sugary beverage consumption and increasing consumption of healthy foods. In addition to advocating for reducing sugary drink consumption in SNAP, AHA has worked with public health partners across the country to increase sugary beverage taxes in Philadelphia, Seattle and communities across California, including Santa Cruz most recently in November 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion - Big Soda tries to buy influencers, has a national meltdown
Comparing a soda ban to COVID authoritarianism might make for a catchy tweet, but it's intellectually dishonest — and dangerously misleading. That's the line that some right-wing influencers pushed recently to stir outrage over the commonsense proposal of removing sugary drinks from SNAP, the government's food assistance program. They equated it to vaccine coercion, calling it 'government overreach.' But according to right-leaning journalist Nick Sortor, it appears that this wasn't a grassroots outcry at all, but a manufactured backlash, apparently bankrolled by a shady public relations campaign. Thankfully, people like conservative activist and former swimmer Riley Gaines saw through it. Let's be clear: No one is banning soda. Anyone can still buy it. The issue is whether taxpayers should have to subsidize it. Right now, they are doing so — heavily. SNAP, which helps over 42 million Americans afford groceries, costs more than $100 billion a year. According to USDA and independent research, soft drinks consistently rank among the top individual items purchased with SNAP benefits. While estimates vary, sugary drinks are believed to account for up to 10 percent of all SNAP beverage purchases. That's billions in taxpayer dollars funneling to Big Soda. No wonder they're panicking. The exclusion of sugary drinks from SNAP — alcohol and tobacco are already excluded — implies a financial hit. So it seems suspicious that a shadowy influencer campaign suddenly materialized, allegedly offering content creators up to $1,000 to post anti-reform talking points. Pictures of Donald Trump sipping Diet Coke suddenly spread on X like sacred scrolls. Luckily, some refused to be played. Gaines, the NCAA athlete-turned-advocate, said she was approached and declined. Instead of parroting the script, she asked questions. Who was behind this? Why the secrecy? 'Sad to see people sell out for really not that much money,' she wrote. Her integrity earned her a public thank-you from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is spearheading the soda reform effort. And Eric Daugherty, a director with Florida's Voice who was also approached, publicly acknowledged the veracity of Sortor's theory. To his credit, he apologized for his participation in the campaign, a move that took courage. As Gaines and Daugherty understand, this isn't about party lines. It's about principle, and it's about protecting children's health, which should be bipartisan. After all, in an era of skyrocketing obesity and chronic illness — not to mention government waste — why should taxpayers fund sugar addiction? And even setting the addictive nature aside, regular consumption of soda is linked to several negative health effects, including an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease due to its high added sugar content. It can also contribute to tooth decay and metabolic issues, even in individuals who are not overweight. Emerging research also suggests soda may impair fertility, which could play a small but meaningful role in the nation's ongoing birth rate decline. Some lawmakers like Sen. Katie Britt, the Republican from Alabama behind the Healthy SNAP Act, are starting to ask important questions about these negative effects. Indeed, Kennedy's federal push is part of a broader, state-level movement to combat obesity, and Britt's not alone in that fight. In Florida, State Sen. Jonathan Martin is pushing a bill to ban ultra-processed foods from school lunches. In Texas, the state Senate unanimously passed a health bill promoting nutrition and physical education. Another bill would restrict junk food in SNAP. And Utah just became the first state to pass a bill banning soda in SNAP. A companion bill would ban harmful food additives in school meals. Gov. Spencer Cox (R) has until March 27 to act. But just as Big Soda targeted public figures with national followings, they're fighting back on the state level, too. According to the Miami Herald, lobbyists for the Florida Beverage Association — an affiliate of the American Beverage Association — are working hard to kill Martin's bill. If their efforts succeed, it could mean that synthetic dyes and carcinogens remain on cafeteria trays. At the hearing for the bill this week, lawmakers raised objections that sounded suspicious, such as the idea that victories for Make America Healthy Again are better executed by the federal government rather than the state. Are they worried that Kennedy wants all the credit for himself? That can't be the case. The secretary's been clear that wins for children are his top priority, not padding his own ego. Besides, this objection conflicts with the success that the movement is seeing in states like Texas and Utah. We also saw this type of industry pushback firsthand in Arizona. When a bill to restrict sugary drinks in SNAP came up for a vote, a lobbyist testified against it. (One of us also testified.) The lobbyist downplayed the correlation between soda and obesity, a testament to just how far these companies will go to deny reality and block reforms that could help low-income families escape chronic diseases like diabetes. He showed up again to oppose the bill in the Senate. Two trips, two attempts to protect profits over public health. Reforms like Martin's challenge powerful corporate interests. But don't expect Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to come swooping in. Most of the states leading this charge, at least for now, are red. This new health movement is being led by conservatives willing to call out corporate overreach, even when it costs money. Hopefully, Florida — typically known for leading the way on common sense — will follow suit. And let's address the broader smear campaign. Calling this reform 'tyranny' is an insult to real overreach like pandemic-era restrictions that kept people from visiting sick relatives or attending church. This isn't about food police. It's a line in the sand between corporate manipulation and public responsibility. Let's not forget what SNAP stands for: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The 'N' is for nutrition. Soda contains no nutrients — just sugar and chemicals. A program meant to nourish struggling families shouldn't bankroll the opposite. Gaines and others stood tall when Big Soda tried to buy their sentiment. They defended the health of vulnerable Americans — and the dignity of a new health-focused movement that cuts across party lines, slaughtering sacred cows on both sides: namely corporate idealization on the right, and fear of fat-shaming on the left. That's integrity. And it's worth more than a thousand bucks and a bottle of Coke. Grace Price is an investigative reporter focused on the interaction between nutrition and disease. Nora Kenney is director of communications at End Chronic Disease. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
