Will Beverage Labeling Initiative Convince Americans To Cut Back On Sugar Consumption?

A new U.S. beverage labeling initiative could provide the necessary incentive for Americans to cut back on consumption of sugar and extra calories, according to medical weight-loss specialist Jessica Bartfield, M.D. As of last month, the front labels of packaged beverages now show the total number of calories in bottles and cans containing 20 ounces or less of a soda or other non-alcoholic beverage. According to Dr. Bartfield, sugary beverages loaded with calories “can be quite a significant contribution to weight gain,” and the hope is that the labeling initiative will have a big educational impact on the public. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported in 2004 that the average American consumes 22.5 teaspoons of added sugar daily –  half from regular soda and fruit drinks.