Soda machines to display calorie counts

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- A U.S. trade group representing soft drink bottlers said Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc. and others would put calorie labels on vending machines.

The machines will have prominently displayed information on calories, the American Beverage Association said.

"It appears to be an attempt by the industry to start an initiative -- not just to make diet and low-calorie products available, but also to try and motivate consumers to buy and consume more diet and low-calorie products," wrote John Sicher, editor and publisher of Beverage Digest.

The Los Angeles Times reported Monday that vending machines will have calorie information on stickers on each selection button. The machines will also have signs urging customers to try a low-calorie beverage.