Soft drinks industry claims it’s a ‘scapegoat’ for obesity rise

SOFT drinks have been scapegoated for the rise in obesity among children, beverage industry chiefs said yesterday.

Executive director of the Beverage Council of Ireland (BCI) Bernard Murphy said a more realistic assessment would reveal that overindulgence in food and drink was part of the problem. Combined with this, pampered children were being driven to school and the lack of PE training in primary schools was a major contributory cause of obesity, Mr Murphy said.

In a robust defence of the industry he said many children were turning from the “playground” to the “PlayStation” with dire consequences for their health and well being.

Mr Murphy said the soft drinks industry was a responsible one and recognised there was a national problem with obesity.

It also recognised that the broader food and drink industry has a role to play in bringing about a healthier lifestyle for all. However, he warned, while the obesity issue included the necessity for a balanced diet, today’s problem was “primarily driven by social and lifestyle factors”.

Mr Murphy said: “It is important we recognise the basic rule that calories ‘in’ must be balanced with calories ‘out’, and we must recognise that our sedentary lifestyle is adversely impacting on this balance.”

He also said it was important to realise that the National Task Force on Obesity has yet to issue its findings and recommendations. “It is important that rather than point the finger of blame at what might appear to be a soft target, we should instead strive for a meaningful and cohesive partnership between Government, the food & drink industry, health professionals, educators and parents“.

Mr Murphy said that soft drinks companies were major supporters and sponsors of sporting activities at all levels throughout the country; that they provided a comprehensive range and choice to the consumer, and that about 40% of all non-alcoholic beverages sold in Ireland were in the low or no calorie category.

He was addressing a BCI forum in Letterkenny dealing with obesity amid claims that the soft drinks industry is a significant contributor to the rise in obesity in the young. The BCI represents about 60 companies nationwide.