Children’s meals in New Orleans must come with a healthy drink by default under a new City Council ordinance that’s aimed at reining in childhood obesity but drew objections from the restaurant industry. The New Orleans Health Department helped craft the rule, which requires eateries to offer water, milk or a juice drink if they have children’s meals. Kids and parents would still be able to order soft drinks, but only by going off-menu. Nutrition experts say sugary drinks are a leading contributor to childhood obesity, which puts kids at risk of diabetes, asthma and other chronic diseases. It has also dra…"This is not really a penalty ordinance, this is really about encouraging," Nguyen said.

Source: The Star January 07, 2022 00:53 UTC