CHICAGO, June 11 (UPI) -- An American Medical Association committee reportedly wants the federal government to impose a federal tax on on soft drinks.
The Chicago Sun-Times says the committee plans to recommend this week that the influential physician's group lobby for a federal tax on sugar-sweetened soft drinks. The money would go to anti-obesity efforts, such as physical activity programs and healthier school meals, the newspaper said.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest estimates that a cent-a-can tax would raise $1.5 billion a year.
The committee said one study found the odds of a child becoming obese increases 60 percent for each additional can of pop consumed each day. However, the committee report noted that other studies have found no link between soft drinks and obesity, the newspaper said.
Kevin Keane of the American Beverage Association called the tax "misguided."
"It will not move the needle 1 ounce in addressing health and wellness issues," he told the Sun-Times.
