Coca-Cola wants to join obesity fight
The Coca-Cola Company announced today its commitment to “further contribute to healthier, happier and more active communities.”
“Obesity is today’s most challenging health issue, affecting nearly every family and community across the globe. It is a global societal problem which will take all of us working together and doing our part,” Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive officer of The Coca-Cola Company, said in a news release.
“We are committed to being part of the solution, working closely with partners from business, government and civil society. Today’s announcement is another step forward on our journey, as we take action with scale and reach across every country and continent where we operate,” Kent continued.
Here is how the soda giant plans to help promote healthier, happier and more active communities:
- Offer low- or no-calorie beverage options in every market.
- Provide transparent nutrition information, featuring calories on the front of all of our packages.
- Help get people moving by supporting physical activity programs in every country where we do business.
- Market responsibly, including no advertising to children under 12.
The company has already taken “important steps,” according to the news release.
Those steps include expanding the availability of mini-cans in the U.S. and other countries; supporting hundreds of active, health living programs; and putting calories on the front of nearly all beverages.
Thoughts on Cola-Cola’s announcement?
Marissa Harshman
I'm the health reporter for The Columbian newspaper in Vancouver, Wash. I started at The Columbian -- my hometown newspaper -- in September 2009. Reach me at marissa.harshman@columbian.com or 360-735-4546.