A public hearing on the controversial large sugary drink soda ban took place Tuesday afternoon.
Advocates on both sides of the Bloomberg administration proposal faced off a day before public hearings.
Dozens of cameras captured the room filled with politicians, beverage industry advocates and health experts. Each had a clear opinion on what he or she thinks about the city's plan to limit sugary drinks to 16 ounces.
"Soda is appropriately the number one target in this fight against obesity," said Dr. Walter Williett of the Harvard School of Public Health. "It's not the only target. It is in the single most important contributor to calories and the single most important contributor to obesity."
"Obesity is a complex problem highlighted by many factors -- most important, diet exercise and genetics," said Dr. Joy Dubost of the National Restaurant Association. "It's not feasible to cont on one product as being a source of the problem."
The experts brought up their supporting research.
"Individuals consume larger portions when they're offered larger portions," said Dr. Kelly Browne of Yale University. "It's the reason companies sell larger portions."
The politicians, including Councilman Dan Halloran, said they thought it would hurt small businesses.
The Board of Health members stayed silent for the most part -- as promised -- for a full three hours.
Only the health commissioner spoke about an hour before the hearing, saying he was confident the limit would withstand any legal challenge.
"I have heard no single complaint on the ban on trans fats and I fully expect that with this rule when it's put into place," said Dr. Thomas Farley, the commissioner.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:04 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:04:19 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency workers are on the scene of a trench collapse in Queens that trapped one person on Tuesday evening.
Emergency workers are on the scene of a trench collapse in Queens that trapped one person on Tuesday evening.The collapse happened at 119-02 83rd Avenue in Kew Gardens at about 4:50 p.m., the FDNY said.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:46:32 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate cancellations and delays on the Long Island Rail Road for the Tuesday evening rush. The railroad has canceled 21 trains that normally leave Penn Station between 3:27 and 7:01 p.m.
Riders should anticipate cancellations and delays on the Long Island Rail Road for the Tuesday evening rush. The railroad has canceled 21 trains that normally leave Penn Station between 3:27 and 7:01 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:32 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:32:12 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:18 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:18:24 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:03:08 GMT
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has tried to limit the size of soda consumption, ban smoking in parks, encourage bike riding and now there"s another possible plan on the table: mandate recycling of food waste.
West Side resident Matt Murphy has stored a pail of leftovers on his floor for the last two months. His building is part of the city's food-recycling pilot program. Mayor Bloomberg wants to expand the program citywide.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:36 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:36:36 GMT
Five passengers from a New York bound EgyptAir flight diverted to a Scottish airport over an apparent threat to destroy the aircraft are now seeking asylum in Britain, authorities said.
Five passengers from a New York bound EgyptAir flight diverted to a Scottish airport over an apparent threat to destroy the aircraft are now seeking asylum in Britain, authorities said.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:21:23 GMT
Related Companies, a major landlord across the country, is banning smoking in all of its apartments. The new rule is meant to create healthier living conditions, according to company officials.
Related Companies, a major landlord across the country, is banning smoking in all of its apartments. The new rule is meant to create healthier living conditions, according to company officials.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:02 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:02:34 GMT
Two New York City Council committees are holding a hearing on glitches to the city's emergency 911 system that at times have forced phone operators to resort to pen and paper.
Two New York City Council committees are holding a hearing on glitches to the city's emergency 911 system that at times have forced phone operators to resort to pen and paper.
