Supersized sugary drinks are the major cause of obesity in the US. Since the new regulation was put in place, New York City has adopted a proposal that is meant to regulate all licensed food establishments. This proposal is meant to bar the food establishments from using containers that are larger than 16 ounces to serve high energy drinks. This ban is also inclusive of all drinks that contain 25 calories per 8 ounces (Petrecca, 2012). This decision is aimed at minimizing increased incidences of obesity and other lifestyle diseases associated with sugary foods.
The ban on beverages exempts the drinks that are 100 percent juice from fruits and those that are 50 percent milk. High calorie drinks and foods are associated with increased incidences of diabetes mellitus. Without proper regulation, there will be high incidences of these cases in hospitals. This will further strain these facilities from some of the diseases that could be easily avoided (Petrecca, 2012). Other than obesity and diabetes, the citizens are at a higher risk of contracting heart diseases. Therefore, this regulation will help to avert some of these complications.
This regulation is meant to make people who are manufacturing the drinks adhere to the set standards of nutritional information. This will make food and drink-oriented business industries meet the demand of consumers and health activists, by providing this vital information (Petrecca, 2012). This has seen some of the companies comply. For example, McDonalds has agreed that it will post calories on its food and beverage items (Petrecca, 2012). With this information, the consumer can make the right decision on the nutritional requirements for his or her body.
Despite the positive benefits that will be accrued from such a ban, most businesses that operate on the beverage trade will experience heavy losses. When the regulation comes into full practice, some of the beverage businesses that do not meet the set standards will have to close down. The licenses of the businesses will also be stripped off. The resultant effects of such a move are retrenchment of workers and closure of the businesses. This will further lead to an increase in unemployment rates.
The regulation is also meant to kill the competitive spirit of the businesses. This will keep those businesses that are not able to meet the regulation at bay. This has made the American Beverage Association to seek for all means to bar the board’s ruling (Petrecca, 2012). When the regulation is implemented, it will lead to massive losses for the beverages businesses. For instance, the manufacturers of fountain drinks, which are a favorite for many people, might incur a lot of losses.
The regulation is also selective in that some of the businesses are locked out. This ban is not effective for the beverages that are sold in grocery and other convenience stores, and this will be unfair for other operators in the industry. With the regulation in place, it will be difficult for the new businesses to start-up in the new operational environment. With a reduction in the sales arising from the ban, the businesses will be operating on a stiff budget (Petrecca, 2012). This translates to low payment for workers in the businesses. The new regulations for the beverages are restrictive, and hinder mushrooming of companies in the industry. This will greatly impact on the new innovative ideas.
Reference
Petrecca, L. (2012). Supersized drinks on the way out in NYC. Web.