Two years from now, most of PepsiCo's sodas will not be sold in elementary schools and high schools worldwide -- but that doesn't mean Penn State students won't get their soda fix.
PepsiCo will stop selling high-calorie, sweetened beverages in schools for kids up to 18 years old in more than 200 countries by 2012, spokeswoman Michelle Naughton said. However, the products will still be sold at colleges and universities -- and some Penn State health experts said that was disappointing.
"Selling these types of beverages in a college setting certainly isn't benefiting students," said Jody Whipple, a nutritionist for University Health Services.
Whipple said consuming sugary beverages on a regular basis tends to displace other important nutrients, such as calcium and Vitamin C, and also increases overall caloric intake above and beyond an individual's energy requirements.
Student Emily Simmons thinks cutting out soda in schools is a good plan.
"I'm not really an expert on health, but it would make sense that if kids don't get hooked on sugar at young ages, then it would help prevent obesity," Simmons (senior-public relations) said.
However, Coca-Cola Co., the world's No. 1 soft drink maker and PepsiCo's major competitor, decided not to follow the move.
"We believe school authorities should have the right to choose what is best for their schools," Coca-Cola spokeswoman Crystal Warwell Walker said.
Earlier this month, Coca-Cola's global sales guidelines were revised. Walker said the company will not sell any of its sugared drinks in primary schools worldwide unless asked, while it will continue its sales in high schools unless the schools say no.
Walker said Coca-Cola is honoring the rights of parents and caregivers to make choices for their children and the company is providing fact-based nutrition information to help them make these choices.
Penn State spokeswoman Jill Shockey said students should make the health choices that are best for them, including whether or not to drink soda.
"People 18 and older are asked to make adult decisions about all aspects of their lives," Shockey said.
