Get the Facts on Ingredient Safety

There has been a lot of talk lately about the health of Americans. America’s beverage companies take seriously our responsibility to our consumers. We believe they deserve choices and clear information to choose what’s right for them and their families.

We are proud of the progress we’ve made in reducing beverage calories in the American diet and in the safety of our products and ingredients. So, it’s important to set the record straight.

Myth: Soda is the primary cause of increasing obesity rates in the United States.
Fact: Full-calorie soda sales declined by 22.9% since 2000 as adult obesity rates increased by 37.4%.^1,2 If beverage consumption drives obesity, the obesity rate should have declined. The fact is, with the introduction of new zero-sugar choices, beverage calories per serving are down 42%, and sugar-sweetened beverages are less than 6% of calories in the American diet.^3,4

Myth: Beverage companies sell products with ingredients that are banned in other countries.
Fact: The safety of our products is our highest priority. All common beverage ingredients – colors and sweeteners – have undergone FDA review and are not GRAS self-determinations. They are also all authorized for use within the EU.

Differences in product formulations by country are often the result of consumer tastes and preferences. “Not approved” is not the same as “banned.” Companies may choose not to pursue approval because of consumer preferences, not because it is unsafe.

Myth: The beverage industry makes it difficult for consumers to evaluate how unhealthy its products are.
Fact: America’s beverage companies were the first to voluntarily place clear calorie labels on the front of every can, bottle, and pack we sell. We recognize our consumers deserve the freedom to choose the beverage that’s right for them and the clear, transparent information to make that possible.

Myth: Beverage companies advertise and market sugary drinks to children.
Fact: This is false. American Beverage member companies have global commitments not to market to children, and compliance is enforced through the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative. When it comes to children, we believe parents should decide. That’s why we voluntarily removed full-calorie beverages from schools in 2006 through our National School Beverage Guidelines.

These voluntary guidelines only allow bottled water, milk, and 100% juice in elementary schools. The success of this program led Congress to incorporate the guidelines when it passed the federal Smart Snacks in Schools Guidelines.

Learn Why Your Beverages Are Safe

You can feel confident stocking and serving the non-alcoholic beverages that Americans love.