New York City push against sugary drinks sparks controversy

In a push to reduce obesity, the mayor of New York City has proposed a ban that would prevent the use of government subsidised food stamps to purchase soda or sugary drinks.

Mayor Michael R Bloomberg submitted the proposal to the US Department of Agriculture, which allocates funding for the food stamps programme. The stamps are used by 1.7 million New York City residents on low incomes. The proposal follows a failed attempt to impose a penny per ounce tax on the drinks.

According to a news release by the mayor, the city currently “subsidizes a serious public health epidemic” by allowing the use of food stamps to purchase sugary …