The Norman Transcript

Opinion

June 17, 2012

Big gulps in the Big Apple

NORMAN — If New York City’s ban on big sodas passes a legal test, can double-dip ice cream and stuffed crust pizza be far behind?

That’s the question some scholars are asking. It’s a slippery slope, but what better place to test it than New York City?

Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to force restaurants to only sell sodas in 16-ounce or smaller cups.

It’s a way to fight obesity in residents, something Bloomberg says costs the city billions on weight-related health problems. The city’s board of health is expected to approve the measure.

Bloomberg said he has no plans to expand the measure to buttery popcorn, red meat or other fatty foods. It’s a slippery slope. Courts have yet to strike down a health measure that was designed to protect people from unsafe diets or unsafe food.

Even without a law, it may bring compliance and push restaurants and convenience stores to start their own programs.

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