MLC client, the Michigan Soft Drink Association, is a non-profit trade organization representing the producers and distributors of carbonated soft drink beverages who have manufacturing operations in Michigan.  99% of their member’s soft drinks sold in Michigan are produced and distributed by more than 6,000 employees at 55 locations throughout Michigan.  The below content was developed by the association.

From 1990 to 2010, the obesity rates nationwide and in Michigan rose exponentially.  Recognizing the public health crisis, soft drink companies stepped forward to help tackle the issue head on.  The Michigan soft drink industry has been actively engaged in the efforts to address our state’s obesity concerns.  On a voluntary basis, they’ve worked to address public concerns with product offerings and calorie transparency, while working to educate consumers about the importance of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

The Michigan soft drink industry has taken several proactive steps to help fight obesity.  In schools they removed all full calorie beverages from vending machines.  As a result, the total number of calories delivered to schools has been reduced by 90% since 2004.  The industry partnered with the FDA to revamp their packaging design to more clearly and boldly highlight caloric information in what has become a model for other foods.  Additionally, they increased choices into the market, including waters, isotonics, juices, and teas.  This has resulted in the lowest levels of calories consumed from soft drinks since 1985.  The per capita calories from soft drinks have also decreased at a rate of 27% nationally since 1998, the lowest level in thirty years. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 6% of Michigan high school students drink 3 or more servings of soft drinks a day, a 46% reduction in the last 8 years. 

Despite the steps taken by the Michigan soft drink industry, obesity rates have increased 16% since 1985.  This would point to the causes of obesity being from other arenas.  Americans are eating over five-hundred calories more per day than four decades ago but it is important to note that these added calories have not come from the consumptions of soft drinks, which as noted above have actually declined significantly over the years.  Conclusion: soft drinks are not the culprit of our rise in obesity.  Additionally, physical activity has decreased. CDC data shows that 41% of Michigan high school students average 3 or more hours per day playing video games or on the internet, up from 23% just 6 years ago.  Experts have stated the obesity issued should be tackled as a holistic approach, looking at diet, nutrition, and physical activity levels.

To continue to work towards decreasing obesity rates, soft drink companies, in partnership with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, have committed to further reduce the calories consumed per person nationally by 20% by 2025.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.