Bingaman pointed out that a recent study by the Agriculture Department found that sodas contribute to child obesity and diabetes, both of which are on the rise. Other studies report that sodas put teens at greater risk of tooth decay and osteoporosis. Under the legislation, the Agriculture Secretary would be instructed to use this and other relevant research before deciding whether to ban or limit soft drinks before lunch. Under current law, sodas cannot be sold in school cafeterias during breakfast or lunch. Unfortunately, major soft drink companies that have negotiated exclusive contracts with schools have been known to apply pressure to keep vending machines turned on during lunch period in areas just outside cafeterias or in other convenient locations.
Some schools also skirt the law by allowing sodas to be given to children during meals.
However, he believes this legislation is needed because an unintended consequence of discouraging exclusive contracts could result in a host of different bottlers marketing sodas to school children. Kids attend school to learn and to prepare themselves for a bright future.