Sale of Sodas in High Schools, Phase Out

05/07/07 Sodas are fizzing out and tougher nutrition standards are coming in at California schools.

Two bills that take effect Sunday will phase out the sale of sodas in high schools and, with some exceptions, limit calories, saturated fat, salt and sugar in snacks sold at elementary, junior high and high school campuses.

The measures are an attempt to reduce childhood obesity and are among several laws that go into effect midyear. The statutes also include measures that implement a plastic bag recycling program, boost recycling fees paid by consumers on beverage containers and create a state Department of Public Health.

California laws usually take effect on Jan. 1 of the year after they are enacted, but sometimes implementation is delayed to give those who enforce or who are affected by the statutes additional time to prepare.

The school nutrition bills grew out of former Sen. Martha Escutia's struggles with gestational diabetes when she had her second child eight years ago. Her research on diabetes and its links to obesity led to a 6 1/2-year campaign against school junk food.

http://www.mohavedailynews.com/articles/2007/07/02/news/local/local4.txt