US: LA County bans carbonated drinks sales in schools

Carbonated soft drinks may be banned in schools in the Los Angeles County in the US after health concerns prompted school officials to pass a measure that will phase out the sale of sugar-laden soft drinks to its 748,0000 students by 2004. In passing the bill, the Los Angeles School Board rejected opposition that the schools relied on the revenue from sales of carbonated drinks. "I find it appalling that we are discussing economics at the risk of our children's health," said board member Marlene Canter, who sponsored the measure.